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

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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.
Yet present-day consumer usage appears set to throw a spanner in the works. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Feb. 2025 Our greatest driver in achieving this is the diversity of our businesses and people, which is part of Sony’s DNA, and our boundary spanners that transcend organizational barriers and organically connect that diversity to create new value. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 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 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

Rhymes for spanner

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spanner
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Cite this Entry

“Spanner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spanner. Accessed 3 Mar. 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.com: Encyclopedia article about spanner

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