noun
jackhammer
JAK-ham
noun
1
A heavy power tool that pounds a chisel-like bit to break up rock, concrete, or asphalt.
"Workers used a jackhammer to break up the old pavement."
verb
1
To break something up using a jackhammer, or to hit something repeatedly with jackhammer-like force.
"They jackhammered through the concrete slab all morning."
"Her heart was jackhammering in her chest before the interview."
How to Use Jackhammer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe loud pneumatic drill used to break up hard surfaces; also used to describe anything pounding hard and fast, like a racing heartbeat.
Common pairings
jackhammer noise
heart jackhammering
wield a jackhammer
Word Forms
jackhammered past tense, jackhammers plural, jackhammers singular
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Workers used a _____ to break up the old pavement.
Etymology
Formed from jack + hammer.