: a mallet used (as by a presiding officer or auctioneer) for commanding attention or confirming an action (such as a vote or sale)
gaveled or gavelled; gaveling or gavelling
ˈga-v(ə-)liŋ 
: to bring or force by use of a gavel
gaveled the audience to silence
Examples of gavel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Not for who held the gavel, but for who broke faith with the public.
—Wanda James, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Judge Judy Sheindlin, the iconic daytime TV star who hosted Judge Judy for 25 years, is passing her gavel down to her son.
—Peter White, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gavel
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Noun
Before the gavel drops, here’s a look back at what was — by any measure — a busy year at City Hall.
—Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Not for who held the gavel, but for who broke faith with the public.
—Wanda James, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
Because of retirements and bids for higher office, there will be new legislators in several key positions in the Iowa House and Senate when lawmakers gavel in for the start of the legislative session.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Judge Judy Sheindlin, the iconic daytime TV star who hosted Judge Judy for 25 years, is passing her gavel down to her son.
—Peter White, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gavel
Cite this Entry
“Gavel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gavel. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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