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 signal the start of the trial. [gavel: noun]
Example
The auctioneer hit the gavel to close the bidding on the painting. [gavel: verb]
mallet
Example
The carpenter used a mallet to hammer the chisel into the wood. [mallet: noun]
Example
The polo player swung the mallet to hit the ball towards the goal. [mallet: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gavel is less commonly used than mallet in everyday language. Gavel is primarily associated with legal proceedings or meetings, while mallet has a wider range of applications in various fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gavel and mallet?
Gavel is typically associated with formal and official contexts, while mallet can be used in both formal and informal settings depending on the context.
