spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspa-nər 

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

• spanner 2

Examples of spanner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Early on in the episode, his brother Charles, the man who will become king in a few short years, calls Andrew to tell him to cancel the interview, which briefly puts a spanner in the works. —Jack King, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

Unfortunately for the property sector, Powell’s rates strategy has thrown a significant spanner in the works. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024

The sync is off for the voices on the film, yet another spanner in the works. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024

Sadly, regional and international regulations often put a spanner into such attempts at market participation. —Andreas Schweitzer, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing spanner

• put/throw a spanner in the works

Kids Definition

spanner

noun

span·​ner ˈspan-ər 

chiefly British

: wrench entry 2 sense 2