hammerhead

noun

ham·​mer·​head ˈha-mər-ˌhed 

1

: the striking part of a hammer

2

: blockhead

3

: any of a family (Sphyrnidae) of active voracious medium-sized sharks that have the eyes at the ends of lateral extensions of the flattened head see shark illustration

Synonyms of hammerhead

• idiot
• moron
• stupid
• dummy

Examples of hammerhead in a Sentence

we despair of ever getting those hammerheads to buckle their seat belts without prodding

Recent Examples on the Web

Hammerhead shark sighting A hammerhead shark was spotted off Rhode Island last week. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026

Her tattoos include two great white sharks (on her lower back and neck), two zebra sharks, two tiger sharks, two sand tiger sharks and a school of 13 hammerhead sharks. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 26 July 2026

While blacktip sharks are most common in the region, the project also focuses on sand tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

Understanding where and when these species overlap could help managers reduce hammerhead catches while minimizing impacts on fishers. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hammerhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead
• loggerhead

Kids Definition

hammerhead

noun

ham·​mer·​head ˈham-ər-ˌhed 

: any of various active sharks of medium size that have the eyes at the ends of sideward extensions of the flattened head