gavel
nounUK /ˈɡæv.əl/
US /ˈɡæv.əl/
A small wooden hammer that a judge hits on a block to make a loud sound.
The judge banged the gavel and said the court was now in session.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A small mallet used by an auctioneer to signal that an item has been sold.
The auctioneer raised the gavel and the painting was sold.
3. A symbol of authority or the power to make decisions in a meeting.
The chairperson took up the gavel to open the debate.
4. To hit a gavel on a block, often to call for order.
She gaveled the room to silence before speaking.