What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gavel
Example
The judge struck the gavel to begin the trial. [gavel: noun]
Example
The auctioneer hit the gavel to signal the end of the bidding. [gavel: verb]
hammer
Example
The carpenter used a hammer to nail the boards together. [hammer: noun]
Example
She hammered the metal until it was flat and smooth. [hammered: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hammer is more commonly used than gavel in everyday language. Hammer is a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts, while gavel is less common and is mainly associated with official or ceremonial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gavel and hammer?
While gavel is typically associated with formal and official settings, hammer is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
