spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspa-nər How to pronounce spanner (audio)
1
chiefly British : wrench
2
: a wrench that has a hole, projection, or hook at one or both ends of the head for engaging with a corresponding device on the object that is to be turned

Illustration of spanner

Illustration of spanner
  • spanner 2

Examples of spanner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The sync is off for the voices on the film, yet another spanner in the works. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024 Sadly, regional and international regulations often put a spanner into such attempts at market participation. Andreas Schweitzer, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 There's also a surprise spanner that some people might not expect, with the likes of Francesca (Hannah Dodd) also a high possibility for Season 4. Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 1 May 2024 But Hungary next month assumes the rotating presidency of the EU Council, giving Orban an opportunity to throw anti-Ukraine spanners into the bloc’s policymaking process. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for spanner 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spanner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German, instrument for winding springs, from spannen to stretch; akin to Middle Dutch spannen to stretch — more at span

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spanner was circa 1790

Dictionary Entries Near spanner

Cite this Entry

“Spanner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spanner. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

spanner

noun
span·​ner ˈspan-ər How to pronounce spanner (audio)
chiefly British

More from Merriam-Webster on spanner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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