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

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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

But it’s the inclination to bang the gavel and move on that irks me.

From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026

He always uses a wooden gavel, now chipped, that his father gave him roughly 25 years ago before he died.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 22, 2025

Johnson banged on the gavel, demanding order as the commotion continued.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2025

“With 18 ayes and 11 nays, House Bill 4 has finally passed,” Patrick said, striking the gavel one last time.

From Slate ● Aug. 28, 2025

When the hymn was over, the waiters brought coffee and Bull rapped with his gavel once again and announced, “The smoking lamp is lighted.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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