1. A tool resembling a hammer but with a large head (usually wooden); used to drive wedges or ram down paving stones or for crushing or beating or flattening or smoothing
   "The carpenter used a wooden mallet to gently tap the joints together";
   - beetle
    
2. A sports implement with a long handle and a head like a hammer; used in sports (polo or croquet) to hit a ball
   "The polo player swung the mallet with precision, striking the ball towards the goal"
    
3. A light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike such percussion instruments as chimes, kettledrums, marimbas, glockenspiels, etc.
   "The percussionist skilfully wielded the mallet to create a melodic rhythm on the xylophone";
   - hammer

Derived forms: mallets

Type of: drumstick, hammer, sports implement

Part of: percussion instrument, percussive instrument

Encyclopedia: Mallet, Paraná