mallet

noun

mal·​let ˈma-lət 

: a hammer with a typically barrel-shaped head: such as

a

: a tool with a large head for driving another tool or for striking a surface without marring it

b

: a long-handled wooden implement used for striking a ball (as in polo or croquet)

c

: a light hammer with a small rounded or spherical usually padded head used in playing certain musical instruments (such as a vibraphone)

Examples of mallet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The butt of the Axvant is designed to double as a mallet, mostly for knocking in tent stakes and taking care of other basic, non-precision hammering. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026

Perez was assaulted by two men who used a bicycle and a mallet as weapons. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026

Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Learn to properly swing a mallet and glide across the field, or for the more confident rider, enjoy a day out playing with polo club members. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maillet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of mail hammer — more at maul

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mallet

• alate
• ballot
• fallot
• palate
• palette
• pallet
• shallot

Kids Definition

mallet

noun

mal·​let ˈmal-ət 

: a hammer usually with a barrel-shaped head: as

a

: one with a large head used for driving a tool (as a chisel) or for striking a surface without damaging it

b

: a club for striking a ball (as in croquet or polo)