1. a small anchor with multiple hooks or claws used to secure a boat or ship
Usage: nautical
2. a device with multiple hooks used for grasping, dragging, or climbing

Examples

• The fisherman threw the grapnel overboard to anchor his small boat.
• Rescue workers used a grapnel to retrieve the sunken equipment from the lake.
• The climber secured the grapnel to the cliff face before rappelling down.
• Pirates in movies often use a grapnel to board enemy ships.
• The salvage team deployed a grapnel to drag the ocean floor for debris.
• She attached the rope to the grapnel and tossed it over the wall.