monkey wrench

noun

1
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw at right angles to a straight handle
2
: something that disrupts
threw a monkey wrench into the peace negotiations

Illustration of monkey wrench

Illustration of monkey wrench
  • monkey wrench 1

Examples of monkey wrench in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This does, of course, throw a monkey wrench into the possibility of sustaining a relationship. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 The former president spends much of his time belittling others, boastfully repeating lies, characterizing himself as a martyr in the face of his many legal woes and throwing monkey wrenches into a congressional system that already barely functions. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Those strikes put a monkey wrench in planning this year’s event, says Śniegowska, as many studios and distributors decided to delay the release of films slated for fall premieres. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 24 Oct. 2023 Or look for a third party candidate and throw a monkey wrench into partisan politics. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023 The Little Caesars Arena coronation, initially planned for 2020, was the next step in a Detroit progression that had been quickly leaping from Saint Andrew’s Hall to the Fillmore to the Fox Theatre when the pandemic threw a monkey wrench. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2023 Airport meltdowns and traffic are throwing a monkey wrench into everyone's schedules. Karen Cicero, Good Housekeeping, 6 July 2023 Let those who the monkey wrench is affecting most have a less stressful time of it and be kinder. Susan Johnston, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2023 Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst for North and South America, S&P Global Mobility Despite an electric boom year in 2022, some analysts are downgrading forecasts of EV adoption, due to monkey wrenches of unpredictable demand, looming recession and supply-chain issues. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monkey wrench.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monkey wrench was circa 1807

Dictionary Entries Near monkey wrench

Cite this Entry

“Monkey wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20wrench. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

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