water hammer

noun

: a concussion or sound of concussion of moving water against the sides of a containing pipe or vessel (such as a steam pipe)

Examples of water hammer 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.
They’re all centered around one thing: a water hammer. — Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2019 This phenomenon is called water hammer and occurs at appliances and right-angle bends in the plumbing. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water hammer was in 1765

Rhymes for water hammer

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Browse Nearby Words

water hair grass
water hammer
water hare
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Cite this Entry

“Water hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20hammer. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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