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.
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 However, two factors can throw a monkey wrench into the mix. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025 Trump is potentially threatening to throw another monkey wrench into the team's plans to return to D.C. after nearly three decades playing in Landover, Maryland. Jim Reineking, USA Today, 21 July 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 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

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