peen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very Low FrequencyTechnical (Metalworking, Blacksmithing, Manufacturing); Informal (for the extended verb sense).
Quick answer
What does “peen” mean?
The (usually hemispherical or wedge-shaped) end of a hammer head opposite the striking face, used for shaping metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The (usually hemispherical or wedge-shaped) end of a hammer head opposite the striking face, used for shaping metal.
To strike, shape, or work with the peen of a hammer; by extension, to hammer or flatten something, often in a rough manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the standard tool-related meaning. Both varieties use the term in technical contexts. The informal slang usage is equally non-standard in both.
Connotations
In technical contexts, neutral. The non-standard slang connotation is vulgar and would be considered inappropriate in formal or mixed company.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Frequency is limited to specific trades and technical manuals.
Grammar
How to Use “peen” in a Sentence
[transitive] to peen something (e.g., 'He peened the metal edge.')[transitive] to peen something over/down (e.g., 'Peen the rivet head over to secure it.')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to peen the end of the rivet to lock it in place.
- The blacksmith peened the hot iron on the anvil's horn.
American English
- Peen the metal gently to avoid cracking it.
- After welding, he peened the seam to relieve stress.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use for 'peen'. Field-specific usage like 'hammer peen-wise' is conceivable but highly non-standard.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- This ball-peen hammer is perfect for metalwork.
- He reached for the cross-peen hammer to draw out the metal.
American English
- A ball-peen hammer is standard in a machinist's kit.
- The straight-peen design is less common now.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused except in specific industrial procurement or manufacturing reports.
Academic
Used in materials science, engineering, or historical craft studies.
Everyday
Almost never used. Known primarily by DIY enthusiasts, mechanics, or blacksmiths.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in metalworking, blacksmithing, machining, and tool manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peen”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peen”
- Misspelling as 'pean', 'pein', or 'peene'.
- Confusing 'peen' (noun/verb) with 'peen' (slang).
- Using the verb without a clear object (e.g., 'He started to peen' is unclear without context).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term. Most people encounter it only if they work with metal or specific tools.
A claw hammer has a forked end for pulling nails. A ball-peen hammer has a rounded, hemispherical 'peen' used for shaping metal and riveting.
Yes. To 'peen' means to strike or shape with the peen of a hammer, e.g., 'to peen a rivet'.
Absolutely not. The slang meaning is vulgar and non-standard. In any formal, academic, or professional context, only the technical tool-related meaning should be used or assumed.
The (usually hemispherical or wedge-shaped) end of a hammer head opposite the striking face, used for shaping metal.
Peen: in British English it is pronounced /piːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /pin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Technical] 'Set with the peen' - to secure a rivet by hammering its end.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'PEA' (similar sound) sitting on the end of a hammer. The round 'pea' shape reminds you of the ball-peen hammer's rounded end.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPING IS FORCING (The peen is a specialized tool for applying force to shape a material into a desired form).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'peen'?