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
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.
One potential spanner in the works however is Foxconn, which separately is said to have approached Nissan about acquiring a stake. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 19 Dec. 2024 Donald Trump’s reelection could be a spanner in the works for BMW’s Mexico strategy. —Byjames Morris, Fortune Europe, 26 Nov. 2024 Early on in the episode, his brother Charles, the man who will become king in a few short years, calls Andrew to tell him to cancel the interview, which briefly puts a spanner in the works. —Jack King, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 Unfortunately for the property sector, Powell’s rates strategy has thrown a significant spanner in the works. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing spanner

Dictionary Entries Near spanner

span-long

spanner

spannerman

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spanner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spanner. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

spanner

noun
span·​ner ˈspan-ər How to pronounce spanner (audio)
chiefly British
: wrench entry 2 sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on spanner

Britannica English: Translation of spanner for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spanner

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