gavel

¹ American  

[gav-uhl] / ˈgæv əl /

noun

1. a small mallet used by the presiding officer of a meeting, a judge, etc., usually to signal for attention or order.

2. a similar mallet used by an auctioneer to indicate acceptance of the final bid.

3. Masonry. kevel.

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verb (used with object)

1. to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).

2. (of a presiding officer)

   1. to request or maintain (order at a meeting) by striking a gavel.

   2. to begin or put into effect (a legislative session, motion, etc.) by striking a gavel.

gavel ² American  

[gav-uhl] / ˈgæv əl /

noun

1. feudal rent or tribute.

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gavel British  

/ ˈɡævəl /

noun

1. a small hammer used by a chairman, auctioneer, etc, to call for order or attention

2. a hammer used by masons to trim rough edges off stones

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Etymology

Origin of gavel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Origin of gavel²

before 900; Middle English govel, Old English gafol, akin to giefan to give; cf. gabelle

Explanation

You know that wooden hammer a judge slams down on his desk when he's trying to bring order to the court? That's a gavel. Judges aren't the only ones who use gavels. They are common in governments large and small, where they are used to bring order to the often unruly rooms where government happens. But they are also a sign of who's in charge. The practice of turning control from one party, or one person, to another, is done by "passing the gavel." It's a big deal when the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives turns over the gavel to the incoming Speaker. Sometimes it looks like the hand-off won't happen — a gavel being the ultimate sign of authority and power.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gavel

“Now that the gavel has fallen on Donald Trump’s tariffs, the question is how the U.S. president will try to save face,” said Ed Yardeni, president and founder of Yardeni Research.

From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026

When auctioneer Oliver Barker slammed down the gavel, collectors and dealers in the saleroom erupted in applause.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 19, 2025

That’s when District Board Vice President Hiram Jackson slammed his gavel to stop the meeting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2025

Because Patrick, who looked pleased up on the dais, his hand resting on the head of his gavel, had apparently cooked up a plan over that long dinner break.

From Slate ● Aug. 28, 2025

“They should give him a gavel so he could keep his shoes on.”

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck