monkey wrench

noun

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of monkey wrench

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

See monkey wrench defined for English-language learners

See monkey wrench defined for kids

Recent Examples of monkey wrench from the Web

The hot trolling bite was tossed a monkey wrench on Thursday, though, as northeast winds provoked small craft warnings on the big waters.

— cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 9: Rivers finally in shape, trout cooperating," 9 Mar. 2018
The hot trolling bite was tossed a monkey wrench on Thursday, though, as northeast winds provoked small craft warnings on the big waters.

— cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 9: Rivers finally in shape, trout cooperating," 9 Mar. 2018
State lawmakers also passed a resign-to-run law that should throw a monkey wrench into the crowded race to replace U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami.

— dan sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Power Lunch: As of this morning, the Stoneman Douglas school safety bill is on the guv's desk," 8 Mar. 2018
The hot trolling bite was tossed a monkey wrench on Thursday, though, as northeast winds provoked small craft warnings on the big waters.

— cleveland.com, "Fishing Report for March 2: Big winds spoil early-season walleye fishing," 2 Mar. 2018
Kevin Love’s injury threw a greasy monkey wrench into Cleveland’s situation.

— jake fischer, SI.com, "NBA Trade Deadline Preview: What's Next for the Clippers?," 6 Feb. 2018
The uncertainty surrounding Lifeline threw a monkey wrench in DigitalC's plans to expand connectivity in Cleveland.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Lifeline program changes could cut low-cost internet for thousands in Ohio," 14 Jan. 2018
The injury to Samuel Umtiti has thrown a monkey wrench into Ernesto Valverde’s center back rotation.

— juan pimiento, chicagotribune.com, "Liverpool begin post-Coutinho era, Barca keep spending and the best from the week in soccer," 11 Jan. 2018
White Cap’s cocktail menu, at least for the moment, is tool-themed: Drinks are named, for example, after a drill press, a monkey wrench and — of course — a screwdriver.

— esther mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, "White Cap brings great cocktails and surfer vibe to the Outer Sunset," 9 Jan. 2018

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

Illustration of monkey wrench

First Known Use of monkey wrench

circa 1807

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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MONKEY WRENCH Defined for English Language Learners

monkey wrench

noun

Definition of monkey wrench for English Language Learners

: a wrench that can be adjusted to grip or turn things of different sizes

MONKEY WRENCH Defined for Kids

monkey wrench

noun

Definition of monkey wrench for Students

1 : a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

2 : something that disrupts

The storm threw a monkey wrench into our plans.

Learn More about monkey wrench

See words that rhyme with monkey wrench Spanish Central: Translation of monkey wrench Nglish: Translation of monkey wrench for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monkey wrench

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monkey wrench

Definition of monkey wrench

Recent Examples of monkey wrench from the Web

Illustration of monkey wrench

First Known Use of monkey wrench

MONKEY WRENCH Defined for English Language Learners

monkey wrench

Definition of monkey wrench for English Language Learners

MONKEY WRENCH Defined for Kids

monkey wrench

Definition of monkey wrench for Students

Learn More about monkey wrench

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monkey wrench

Definition of monkey wrench

Recent Examples of monkey wrench from the Web

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MONKEY WRENCH Defined for English Language Learners

monkey wrench

Definition of monkey wrench for English Language Learners

MONKEY WRENCH Defined for Kids

monkey wrench

Definition of monkey wrench for Students

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