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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Unfortunately for the property sector, Powell’s rates strategy has thrown a significant spanner in the works. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for spanner 

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 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

spanner

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spanner

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