spanner Meaning & Definition
What Does Spanner Mean?
Spanner is a noun that means A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts; a wrench. It is also used to mean One who, or that which, spans.
Spanner: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈspænə// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | wrench |
| Plural | spanners |
Spanner Definition (Noun)
- A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts; a wrench.
Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.
- One who, or that which, spans.
- A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
- A device in early steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.
- A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome (in the phrase spanner in the works)
- (mildly) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
Synonyms of Spanner
Spanner synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Spanner
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Spanner in a Sentence
Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.
Word Forms & Grammar
spanner (plural spanners)
spanner (third-person singular simple present spanners, present participle spannering, simple past and past participle spannered)
Words That Rhyme With Spanner
Origin of Spanner
From span + -er.
How to Pronounce Spanner
The standard pronunciation of spanner is //ˈspænə//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Spanner
What part of speech is spanner?
Spanner is a noun.
What is another word for spanner?
Words with a similar meaning to spanner include wrench. See the full list of spanner synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of spanner?
The plural of spanner is spanners.