sledgehammer
Sledgehammer (noun) means a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, swung with both hands to deliver powerful blows. Example: “He took a sledgehammer to the concrete patio to break it up.”
How to use sledgehammer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big two-handed hammer for heavy, forceful blows — also used figuratively for anything blunt and forceful.
The figurative use ("sledgehammer tactics") always implies excessive, clumsy force where something more delicate was called for.
Word forms
more sledgehammer comparative, sledgehammered past tense, sledgehammers plural, sledgehammers singular, most sledgehammer superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He took a _____ to the concrete patio to break it up.
Etymology
A compound of "sledge" (a heavy hammer) and "hammer" — essentially "hammer-hammer," emphasising its size.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sledgehammer
See all rhymes for sledgehammer →Frequently asked questions
What does “sledgehammer” mean?
The word “sledgehammer” means a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, swung with both hands to deliver powerful blows. In plain terms, a big two-handed hammer for heavy, forceful blows — also used figuratively for anything blunt and forceful.
How do you pronounce “sledgehammer”?
“Sledgehammer” is pronounced SLEHJ-ha-muh (/ˈslɛd͡ʒhæmɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sledgehammer” in a sentence?
Here is “sledgehammer” used in a sentence: “He took a sledgehammer to the concrete patio to break it up.”
What part of speech is “sledgehammer”?
Depending on how it is used, “sledgehammer” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “sledgehammer” have?
“Sledgehammer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, swung with both hands to deliver powerful blows.