Hammer
/ˈhæm.ər/noun
A tool with a heavy head used for striking nails, shaping metal, or breaking things.
Did you know?English hammer is a very old Germanic word, and its deep root is likely connected to the idea of a stone or rock, which makes sense for one of humanity’s oldest striking tools.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱem- / *kam-
“A proposed ancient root meaning "stone" or "rock"”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hamaraz
“A stone or hammer-shaped object; later, a hammer”
Old English
OE
hamor
“A hammer; also a stone or rocky object”
Old Norse
ON
hamarr
“A hammer, and also a crag or rocky cliff”
Middle English
ME
hamer
“A hammer”
Modern English
English
hammer
“A tool with a heavy head used for striking”