Synonyms of malletnext
: a hammer with a typically barrel-shaped head: such as
a
: a tool with a large head for driving another tool or for striking a surface without marring it
b
: a long-handled wooden implement used for striking a ball (as in polo or croquet)
c
: a light hammer with a small rounded or spherical usually padded head used in playing certain musical instruments (such as a vibraphone)

Examples of mallet 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.
Then Kreiz took the mallet and landed a cannon-shot ring on the bell that was so loud that one of the Citadel traders turned around in shock, and even Wall Street veteran Gerry Cardinale’s eyebrows were raised. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 In just a couple of months, fields in Palm Beach County’s Ag Reserve will be full of players from around the world competing on horseback, scoring goals with mallets and a ball as onlookers tailgate on the sidelines. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 The ceremony spanned the familiar marble balcony as the market opened and proceeded to a floor-level bell struck with a mallet. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 The butt of the Axvant is designed to double as a mallet, mostly for knocking in tent stakes and taking care of other basic, non-precision hammering. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mallet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maillet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of mail hammer — more at maul

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mallet was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mallet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mallet. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a hammer usually with a barrel-shaped head: as
a
: one with a large head used for driving a tool (as a chisel) or for striking a surface without damaging it
b
: a club for striking a ball (as in croquet or polo)

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