hammock

1 of 2

noun (1)

ham·​mock ˈha-mək How to pronounce hammock (audio)
: a swinging couch or bed usually made of netting or canvas and slung by cords from supports at each end

Illustration of hammock

Illustration of hammock
  • 1hammock

hammock

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
2
: a fertile area in the southern U.S. and especially Florida that is usually higher than its surroundings and that is characterized by hardwood vegetation and deep humus-rich soil

Examples of hammock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Participants are suspended in soft hammocks between the trees and float away from the daily stressors of life, surrounded by the beauty of the Thermal Park. Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 Nearby, explore Anastasia State Park, a 1600-acre property brimming with wildlife, stunning beaches, maritime hammocks, and tidal marshes. Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025 There are hammock-style twine baskets as well as wire ones. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 Cotton twine baskets can either come in knotted macrame or twisted strands in a hammock style. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hammock

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Spanish hamaca, from Taino

Noun (2)

earlier hammok, hommoke, humock; akin to Middle Low German hummel small height, hump bump — more at hump

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1626, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hammock was in 1556

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Cite this Entry

“Hammock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammock. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

hammock

noun
ham·​mock
ˈham-ək
: a swinging couch or bed usually made of netting or canvas and slung by cords from supports at each end

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