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

• monkey wrench 1

Examples of monkey wrench in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, tweaking input data for the large language model (LLM) that powers such an AI can throw a monkey wrench into its responses. —PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025

Here are some real monkey wrenches in the works of the economy. —Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst for North and South America, S&P Global Mobility Despite an electric boom year in 2022, some analysts are downgrading forecasts of EV adoption, due to monkey wrenches of unpredictable demand, looming recession and supply-chain issues. —IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2023

Scull would like to throw a major monkey wrench into all of those plans. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for monkey wrench

• clench
• drench
• quench
• stench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• entrench
• retrench
• workbench

Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun

: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw