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
Agents reportedly were using a cadaver dog to search the subdivision and a Courier Journal photographer saw investigators using a jackhammer on the driveway of a home.
—
Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 8 Sep. 2023
The bathroom, where past owners had poured concrete with a metal mesh, required a jackhammer to remove and replace.
—Chris Moody, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023
Crews were using jackhammers and other heavy equipment to break up the rocks, while geotechnical personnel were on site to scale and survey the slide area to make sure the road was safe.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2023
In an exclusive clip from the episode above, Henson decided to get her hands dirty and help Jonathan, 45, and Drew by picking up a jackhammer.
—Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 23 June 2023
Crews used sledgehammers and jackhammers to chip away at the wall before it was lifted off the victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene, the captain added.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 9 June 2023
His assignment, one of the most ridiculously contrived in the history of hitman flicks, involves using a rifle the size of a jackhammer to shoot up through the ceiling at a man two floors above him — a target who just seconds ago was walking around in the open.
—John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 July 2022
Then, a few days later, there was Lemon on the same network opining on Haley, hitting rock bottom, then pulling out the jackhammer.
—Monica Hesse, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2023
Yen, already a global martial arts star, studied Wing Chun under fellow Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung, and makes the unassuming Ip Man a riveting blur of jackhammer punches and balletic movement whenever anyone proves unwise enough to disturb his quiet life.
—Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2022
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Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 8 Sep. 2023
The bathroom, where past owners had poured concrete with a metal mesh, required a jackhammer to remove and replace.
—Chris Moody, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023
Crews were using jackhammers and other heavy equipment to break up the rocks, while geotechnical personnel were on site to scale and survey the slide area to make sure the road was safe.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2023
In an exclusive clip from the episode above, Henson decided to get her hands dirty and help Jonathan, 45, and Drew by picking up a jackhammer.
—Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 23 June 2023
Crews used sledgehammers and jackhammers to chip away at the wall before it was lifted off the victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene, the captain added.
—Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 9 June 2023
His assignment, one of the most ridiculously contrived in the history of hitman flicks, involves using a rifle the size of a jackhammer to shoot up through the ceiling at a man two floors above him — a target who just seconds ago was walking around in the open.
—John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 July 2022
Then, a few days later, there was Lemon on the same network opining on Haley, hitting rock bottom, then pulling out the jackhammer.
—Monica Hesse, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2023
Yen, already a global martial arts star, studied Wing Chun under fellow Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung, and makes the unassuming Ip Man a riveting blur of jackhammer punches and balletic movement whenever anyone proves unwise enough to disturb his quiet life.
—Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jackhammer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Cite this Entry
“Jackhammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackhammer. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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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
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