# gavel

/ˈɡævəɫ/ (US) · /ɡˈævəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gavel
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a small wooden hammer that a judge or auctioneer hits on a table to get attention or show a decision is made.

For teachers: a small ceremonial mallet struck against a sounding block to call for order or mark a ruling. Associated with judges, presiding officers, and auctioneers.

## Examples

- The judge bangs her gavel to start the trial.
- The auctioneer raises his gavel and brings it down to close the bidding at five thousand dollars.
- After hours of heated debate, the chair's single strike of the gavel restored silence and sealed the committee's controversial decision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.