anvil

noun
an·​vil | \ ˈan-vəl How to pronounce anvil (audio) \

Definition of anvil

1 : a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped (as by hand hammering)
2 : incus
3 : the anvil–shaped top of a cumulonimbus

Illustration of anvil

Illustration of anvil

anvil 1

Examples of anvil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For instance, the dove-killing steampunk fascist from the first mural is seen dead in the second mural, as children from countries around the world destroy the swords of war with a hammer and anvil. Joshua Pease, Popular Mechanics, "Is the Denver Airport Really Controlled by the Illuminati?," 1 June 2020 So, while guns may be out, the campy violence fans have grown to love — including dynamite explosions, anvils dropping on characters' heads and complex booby traps — is still part of the new series, according to the Times. Danielle Garrand, CBS News, "New "Looney Tunes Cartoons" take away Elmer Fudd's iconic rifle: "We're not doing guns"," 11 June 2020 These people must transgress, or be perceived to transgress the law before the anvil of state violence falls on their heads. Frank B. Wilderson Iii, Harper's Magazine, "Color Theory," 30 Mar. 2020 These include sustained winds of 30mph or below, no anvil thunderstorm clouds within 10 nautical miles, and various rules about clouds. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Poor weather scrubs SpaceX’s historic launch attempt [Updated]," 27 May 2020 My chest felt as if there were an anvil sitting on top of it. Deborah Copaken, The Atlantic, "My Whole Household Has COVID-19," 27 Mar. 2020 The winning designs include the proposal by Coop Himmelb(l)au, which features austere, intersecting anvil-like monoliths intersected by a sparkly glass dome. Los Angeles Times, "Six renegade visions for LACMA. Protest group announces winners of design competition," 27 Apr. 2020 Monday, the Colts unveiled changes to their uniforms, highlighted by the inclusion of a new secondary logo to complement the classic horseshoe as well as a new primary wordmark and secondary color (anvil black). Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star, "Former Cathedral vice principal accuses Colts of stealing logo design," 15 Apr. 2020 Thank-yous and well wishes exchanged. Rob *P.S. Not recommended approach for heavy packages, such as an anvil. James Weber, Cincinnati.com, "Coronavirus in Ohio: Kindness, levity - Dancing senior citizens, football with the UPS guy," 27 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anvil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of anvil

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for anvil

Middle English anfilt, from Old English; akin to Old High German anafalz anvil; akin to Latin pellere to beat — more at felt

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Time Traveler for anvil

Time Traveler

The first known use of anvil was before the 12th century

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Statistics for anvil

Last Updated

9 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Anvil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anvil. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for anvil

anvil

noun
How to pronounce anvil (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of anvil

: a heavy iron block on which heated metal is shaped by hitting it with a hammer

anvil

noun
an·​vil | \ ˈan-vəl How to pronounce anvil (audio) \

Kids Definition of anvil

: an iron block on which pieces of metal are hammered into shape

anvil

noun
an·​vil | \ ˈan-vəl How to pronounce anvil (audio) \

Medical Definition of anvil

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More from Merriam-Webster on anvil

Spanish Central: Translation of anvil

Nglish: Translation of anvil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of anvil for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anvil

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