1 C1 formal
To formally end a legislative, judicial, or auction session by striking a gavel.
"The chairperson gavelled out the committee hearing after eight hours of testimony."
inseparable
gavel out
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To officially end a formal session, meeting, or auction by striking a gavel.
In plain English
To end a formal meeting or auction by banging a small hammer to signal it is finished.
What does "gavel out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a gavel to signal that something is out — finished.
Actually means
To end a formal meeting or auction by banging a small hammer to signal it is finished.
Usage tip
Primarily used in contexts involving gavels: legislative sessions, court proceedings, auctions. Relatively rare in everyday speech. Can be used both transitively ('the auctioneer gavelled out the session') and as a description of the ending act.
Words that pair with "gavel out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
session meeting auction hearing assembly proceedings
How to conjugate "gavel out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gavel out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gavels out
he/she/it
Past simple
gaveled out
yesterday
Past participle
gaveled out
have + pp
-ing form
gaveling out
continuous
Hear "gavel out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "gavel out"
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