jackhammer
noun
jack·ham·mer
ˈjak-ˌha-mər 
1
: a pneumatically operated percussive rock-drilling tool usually held in the hands
2
: a device in which a tool (such as a chisel for breaking up pavements) is driven percussively by compressed air
jackhammer
verb
Examples of jackhammer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The noisy calls can reach a volume level of 80-100 decibels, which is equal to the sound of a garbage disposal, lawn mower or jackhammer.
—
Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 May 2025
Compared to conventional demo techniques – jackhammers or blasting with det cord, PETN, TNT and the like – the Catonator can reportedly cut through rock, concrete, and even steel up to 10 times faster while being significantly quieter, with less mess and less disruption.
—New Atlas, 18 June 2025
Construction on that train is underway; jackhammers could be heard midday Friday as members of the Metro board, as well as an array of current and former city and county leaders, arrived for the 1 p.m. ribbon-cutting and ceremony.
—Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Crews in Washington, D.C., use concrete saws, jackhammers and excavators to dismantle the Black Lives Matter Plaza street mural, created two blocks north of the White House as a symbol during the 2020 protests against the murder of George Floyd, March 11, 2025.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for jackhammer
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 May 2025
Compared to conventional demo techniques – jackhammers or blasting with det cord, PETN, TNT and the like – the Catonator can reportedly cut through rock, concrete, and even steel up to 10 times faster while being significantly quieter, with less mess and less disruption.
—New Atlas, 18 June 2025
Construction on that train is underway; jackhammers could be heard midday Friday as members of the Metro board, as well as an array of current and former city and county leaders, arrived for the 1 p.m. ribbon-cutting and ceremony.
—Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Crews in Washington, D.C., use concrete saws, jackhammers and excavators to dismantle the Black Lives Matter Plaza street mural, created two blocks north of the White House as a symbol during the 2020 protests against the murder of George Floyd, March 11, 2025.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for jackhammer
Cite this Entry
“Jackhammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackhammer. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
jackhammer
noun
jack·ham·mer
ˈjak-ˌham-ər
: a tool driven by compressed air that is used for drilling or breaking up hard substances (as rock or pavement) by a repeated pounding action
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share