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

Construction worker Julio Meléndez tried to bring a jackhammer into a disaster zone to help break up debris and look for survivors. — Fatima Al-Kassab, NPR, 1 July 2026

Every day her family digs, breaking through concrete with a jackhammer and their own hands, trying to reach them. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Trump, who built a career as a real estate developer, has frequently touted the project, gushing over the sounds of jackhammers and excavation trucks. — Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

For reference, a jackhammer makes 100 dBs, and a rock concert averages around 100 dBs. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jackhammer

• programmer
• sledgehammer
• tetramer
• amor
• clamor
• clamour
• glamor
• glamour
• grammar
• hammer
• jammer
• rammer

Kids 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