martel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Extremely Rare/Obsolete/Specialist)Archaic, Poetic, Historical, Heraldic
Quick answer
What does “martel” mean?
A rare, archaic or poetic term for a hammer or a war hammer, particularly one used in medieval warfare.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare, archaic or poetic term for a hammer or a war hammer, particularly one used in medieval warfare.
Historically, can refer to the action of striking with such a hammer (verb, now obsolete). Also used as a heraldic term for a hammer displayed on a coat of arms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in modern usage due to extreme rarity. In historical/heraldic contexts, both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Connotes medieval history, chivalry, or antique weaponry. In a UK context, it might be slightly more familiar due to the Norman connection and heraldry. In a US context, it would be even more obscure.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary speech or writing in either variety. Frequency is near-zero.
Grammar
How to Use “martel” in a Sentence
[Subject] wielded a martel.The [heraldic] martel [is/was] [description].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “martel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Obsolete) The blacksmith would martel the red-hot iron into shape.
- (Obsolete) He threatened to martel the door down.
American English
- (Obsolete) The knight martelled his opponent's armour.
- (Obsolete) To martel the metal is to forge it.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, medieval studies, or heraldic papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used as a precise term in heraldry ('a martel argent').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martel”
- Using it as a contemporary word for 'hammer'.
- Misspelling as 'martle' or 'marted'.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or specialist. You will almost never encounter it in everyday English.
Charles Martel (c. 688 – 741) was a Frankish leader. His nickname 'Martel' meant 'the Hammer', referring to his military prowess.
No. Using 'martel' in a modern context would sound very strange and pretentious. Use 'hammer' for all contemporary meanings.
It comes from Old French 'martel', meaning 'hammer', which in turn derives from Late Latin 'martellus', a diminutive of 'martulus' (hammer).
A rare, archaic or poetic term for a hammer or a war hammer, particularly one used in medieval warfare.
Martel is usually archaic, poetic, historical, heraldic in register.
Martel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːt(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrt(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in modern usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CHARLES MARTEL, the Frankish leader, whose name meant 'Charles the Hammer'. MARTEL = HAMMER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A martel is a METAPHOR FOR FORCE, CRUSHING POWER, or MEDIEVAL AUTHORITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'martel' most likely be used correctly today?