hammerhead

American  

[ham-er-hed] / ˈhæm ərˌhɛd /

noun

1. the part of a hammer designed for striking.

2. a shark of the genus Sphyrna, especially S. zygaena, having the head expanded laterally so as to resemble a double-headed hammer, sometimes dangerous to swimmers.

3. Also called hammerkop.  a brown heronlike African bird, Scopus umbretta, having the head so crested as to resemble a claw hammer.

4. flatheaded borer.

5. Slang. blockhead; dunce; lout.

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hammerhead British  

/ ˈhæməˌhɛd /

noun

1. any shark of the genus Sphyrna and family Sphyrnidae, having a flattened hammer-shaped head

2. a heavily built tropical African wading bird, Scopus umbretta, related to the herons, having a dark plumage and a long backward-pointing crest: family Scopidae, order Ciconiiformes

3. a large African fruit bat, Hypsignathus monstrosus, with a large square head and hammer-shaped muzzle

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• hammerheaded
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of hammerhead

First recorded in 1525–35; hammer + head

Example Sentences

So instead of getting swept away by the narrative, I just settled in to enjoy the details: hammerhead sharks twisted into pickaxes, ships that scuttle like crabs, the drama of an underwater scream: “Guh-glurrgggh!”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

This includes groups of special sharks, such as endangered hammerhead sharks and whale sharks.

From NewsForKids.net • Apr. 2, 2024

To help manage the health of both the tarpon fishery and the hammerhead population, the researchers urge solutions that don't impact either species.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2024

Kaneohe Bay is home to coral reefs, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 27, 2023

A man with wideset eyes like a hammerhead shark nibbles on his bioloaf.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera