spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspa-nər 

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

• spanner 2

Examples of spanner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, the public beta was late, which could have thrown a spanner in the works. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Marko Arnautovic’s early goal already seemed to throw a spanner in the works with both teams needing a draw to progress. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026

As a multi-phased review by UK regulators may have thrown their own spanner in Para-WBD works last week, there is some serious money on the table for Ellison and his Oracle founder father if the merger isn’t locked in by September 30. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 June 2026

And then, in episode three, a Peter Claffey–size spanner is thrown in the works. — Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026

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

Phrases Containing spanner

• put/throw a spanner in the works

Rhymes for spanner

• banner
• branner
• canner
• fanner
• kanner
• manner
• manor
• planner
• scanner
• tanner

Kids Definition

spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspan-ər 

chiefly British

: wrench entry 2 sense 2