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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What can throw a monkey wrench into this is a very short escrow period, say 15 days. — Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025 This whole memory complex has thrown a monkey wrench into the hyperscalers’ growth plans. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 June 2026 Yes, that leads to obvious trouble in the Washington Territory as monkey wrenches aplenty get thrown into the paths of these two resilient women. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2025 Blyth plays Cal, a jumpy and cocksure construction manager who is very much the third wheel — or more like the monkey wrench — in the recent couple formed by Leonie and the considerably older Horn. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monkey wrench

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

Rhymes for monkey wrench

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Browse Nearby Words

monkeywood
monkey wrench
monkfish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monkey wrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20wrench. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

monkey wrench

noun
: a wrench with one fixed and one adjustable jaw

More from Merriam-Webster on monkey wrench

Nglish: Translation of monkey wrench for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monkey wrench

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