verb
Meaning 1
To flatten and shape (metal) by hammering.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
- A smith hammers out iron on an anvil.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Phrase guide
hammer out
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
Meaning 2
To create (something) by hammering metal; to repair (something made of metal that has become bent or dented) by hammering.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
- I watched a tinsmith hammer out a funnel.
- The fender was so badly damaged that it couldn’t be hammered out.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 3
To remove (something tightly in place) by hammering.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
- The bolt wouldn’t budge so she tried hammering it out.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 4
To produce (a sound or signal) by hammering.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
- The kids are forever hammering out “Heart and Soul” on the piano.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 5
To type (something) on a keyboard.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 6
To create or develop (an idea, plan, piece of writing, etc.) with effort.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively, transitive
Examples
- It took me all night to hammer out the first draft of my essay.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 7
To come to (a difficult agreement or settlement) after much arguing and conflict.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively, transitive
Examples
- Two years after the flood, my lawyer managed to hammer out a settlement with my insurance company over the damages.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Meaning 8
discuss vehemently in order to reach a solution or an agreement
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
- The leaders of the various Middle Eastern countries are trying to hammer out a peace agreement
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: thrash out
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: hash out, discuss, talk over
History
Etymology
No etymology was provided for this word.