monkey wrench

noun

1
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2
: something that disrupts
threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations

Illustration of monkey wrench

Illustration of monkey wrench
  • monkey wrench 1

Examples of monkey wrench 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.
Though the rain on May 31 threw a massive monkey wrench into the festivities, drawing an apology from Questlove to fans, things got better on June 1 (for the most part). Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025 Think of it like the proverbial monkey wrench left in your car’s engine by a careless mechanic. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 Moments after the judge set a May 27 hearing for the bench trial on damages only, Knight threw a giant monkey wrench into the proceeding. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025 In addition, tweaking input data for the large language model (LLM) that powers such an AI can throw a monkey wrench into its responses. PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monkey wrench

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monkey wrench was circa 1807

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Cite this Entry

“Monkey wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20wrench. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

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