1ham·mer 
/ˈhæmɚ/ noun
plural ham·mers /ˈhæmɚ/ noun 1 [count] a : a tool that has a heavy metal head attached to a handle and that is used for hitting nails or breaking things apart — see picture at carpentry; see also sledgehammer
b : a similar tool made usually of wood and used especially for hitting a surface to make a loud noise
▪ an auctioneer's hammer 2 [count] : the part of a gun that strikes a charge causing the gun to shoot 3 [count] : a piece inside a piano that strikes a string to produce a sound 4 [count] : a stick that is shaped like a hammer and that is used to play a musical instrument 5 a [count] : a heavy metal ball with a flexible handle that people throw as a sport
b the hammer : an event in which people compete by throwing a hammer
▪ He won a gold medal in the hammer. —called also the hammer throw
b : a similar tool made usually of wood and used especially for hitting a surface to make a loud noise
▪ an auctioneer's hammer
b the hammer : an event in which people compete by throwing a hammer
▪ He won a gold medal in the hammer. —called also the hammer throw
hammer and tongs
: in a very forceful and energetic way
▪ Our neighbors were arguing again last night. They were going at it hammer and tongs.
▪ Our neighbors were arguing again last night. They were going at it hammer and tongs.
under the hammer
— used to describe something that is being sold at an auction ▪ Some valuable paintings went/came under the hammer today.
