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

The latest hammerhead spotted is one of several seen in recent weeks, with one reported off the Malibu Pier a week ago and another reported recently in Santa Barbara. — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026

Big Bear's celebrity bald eagles have locals wondering whether romance is brewing, a rare hammerhead shark is turning heads off the Southern California coast, and the Tina Peters controversy in Shasta County has taken another unexpected turn. — James Ward, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Starting from £34,495, its distinctive 'hammerhead' front and coupé-like roof give it a premium appearance. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

An 8-foot hammerhead was briefly hooked by two fishermen on the Malibu pier that year, prompting lifeguards to warn kayakers, surfers and paddlers in the water. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 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