auctioneer's gavel

Sale-closing hammer

A small wooden hammer used by an auctioneer to signal the close of bidding.

The sharp rap marks the moment a sale becomes final: The auctioneer's gavel came down on the winning bid of twelve thousand dollars.

The gavel has become symbolic of auctions generally, appearing in logos and signage even when actual sales happen online.

Related

hammer · finality · tradition · control · commerce · decision · ritual · strike · catalog · adjudicate · announce · ceremony · marketplace · podium · close · power · microphone · judgment

Opposites
function/purpose

auctioneer's gavelopening bell

Trading session's start marker

starting pistol · starting gun · invitation · welcome mat

tool type

auctioneer's gavelsledgehammer

Massive long-handled mallet

claw hammer · jackhammer · pile driver · ball-peen hammer · framing hammer

commercial context

auctioneer's gavelprice tag

Displayed cost marker

shopping cart · cash register

Family

auctioneer, gavel, auction, auctions, auctioned, auctioning, auctioneers, gavels

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G