Mallet (noun)

1. A hammer-like tool with a large head, used for striking or shaping wood, metal, or other materials.
2. A percussion instrument consisting of a wooden or plastic head mounted on a handle.
3. A hammer-like tool used in croquet and other games to strike a ball.

Origin:

From old french maillet, from mail ("hammer") + -et.

Examples:

1. The carpenter used a mallet to shape the wood.
2. The musician played a mallet instrument in the orchestra.
3. The player used a mallet to strike the croquet ball.
4. The blacksmith used a mallet to shape the metal.
5. The sculptor used a mallet to shape the marble.