spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspa-nər 

1

chiefly British : wrench

2

: a wrench that has a hole, projection, or hook at one or both ends of the head for engaging with a corresponding device on the object that is to be turned

Illustration of spanner

• spanner 2

Examples of spanner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include a Philips screwdriver; 4-, 5- and 7-mm spanner wrench holes; a quarter-inch bit driver hole; a SIM card removal tool; and a file. —New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2025

Faced with so many bike lanes, a billboard for a microaggression lawyer, and the final insult, Oklahoma-style barbecue, Hank seeks refuge at the Mega Lo Mart to purchase an emotional-support spanner wrench. —Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025

There are more than a few spanners in the works for the global car sector at the moment. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025

However, there is a spanner in the works this time in the form of Ter Stegen and his X account. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

German, instrument for winding springs, from spannen to stretch; akin to Middle Dutch spannen to stretch — more at span

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spanner

• put/throw a spanner in the works

Rhymes for spanner

• banner
• branner
• canner
• fanner
• kanner
• manner
• manor
• planner
• scanner
• tanner

Kids Definition

spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspan-ər 

chiefly British

: wrench entry 2 sense 2