monkey wrench

noun

1
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2
: something that disrupts
threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations

Illustration of monkey wrench

Illustration of monkey wrench
  • monkey wrench 1

Examples of monkey wrench in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, that leads to obvious trouble in the Washington Territory as monkey wrenches aplenty get thrown into the paths of these two resilient women. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2025 What can throw a monkey wrench into this is a very short escrow period, say 15 days. Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025 If Starship doesn’t work as promised, that would be a giant monkey wrench, said Caleb Henry, an analyst with Quilty Space. Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Blyth plays Cal, a jumpy and cocksure construction manager who is very much the third wheel — or more like the monkey wrench — in the recent couple formed by Leonie and the considerably older Horn. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monkey wrench

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monkey wrench was circa 1807

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Cite this Entry

“Monkey wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20wrench. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

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