Gavel

usgb/ˈɡævl/
noun

A hammer used by a person in charge of meeting or auction to get people's attention.

The judge pounded his gavel and demanded order in the court.
Visual representation of "gavel" - A hammer used by a person in charge of meeting or auction to get people's attention.

Often appears as...

  • pound the gavel
  • pass the gavel

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "gavel"
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Authority Symbol

The gavel represents authority and control within meetings, especially in legal settings.

Illustration for Authority Symbol
When the chairperson raised the gavel, everyone fell silent.
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Metaphoric Use

The word gavel can be used metaphorically to mean 'final decision' or 'authority'.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
The board has the gavel on all investment decisions.
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Cultural Significance

Gavels are strongly associated with US legal systems and may not be used in other countries.

Illustration for Cultural Significance
He was intrigued by the judge's gavel, a symbol he'd seen only in American films.
Visual representation of the word "Gavel"

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