Meaning & Definition of word "Mallet"
Mallet
/ˈmæ.lɪt/
noun:
- 1. A heavy hammer that has a large head, typically made of wood or rubber, used for driving another tool, such as a chisel, or for striking a surface.
- Example: The carpenter used a mallet to gently tap the chisel into the wood.
- 2. A tool similar to a hammer, but with a cylindrical head, used in certain sports, such as croquet or polo.
- Example: She swung the mallet with precision to hit the ball in the croquet game.
- 3. A tool used in the game of badminton to strike the shuttlecock, resembling a small wooden bat.
- Example: He picked up his mallet and got ready to serve the shuttlecock.
- 4. An implement used in the game of hammer throw in athletics, usually with a heavy ball attached to a long handle.
- Example: The athlete swung the mallet around her head before releasing it into the field.
Etymology
●Middle English malet, from Old French maillet, diminutive of mail 'hammer, mallet'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
mallet of war:
A phrase referring to a strong and forceful tool or means of aggression.
gavel and mallet:
Refers to authority or control, often in a meeting context.
Related Words
hammer:
A tool for striking, usually with a heavy head.
gavel:
A small mallet used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer.
Slang Meanings of mallet
Meaning: A large blow or impact.
● Example Sentence: That news hit him like a mallet.
Meaning: To be heavily influenced or pressured.
● Example Sentence: After the meeting, I felt like I had been malleted by all the demands.