sledgehammer

American  

[slej-ham-er] / ˈslɛdʒˌhæm ər /

noun

1. a large heavy hammer wielded with both hands.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to hammer, beat, or strike with or as if with a sledgehammer.

adjective

1. crudely or ruthlessly forceful; lacking all dexterity or grace.

   the artist's sledgehammer approach.

sledgehammer British  

/ ˈslɛdʒˌhæmə /

noun

1. a large heavy hammer with a long handle used with both hands for heavy work such as forging iron, breaking rocks, etc

2. (modifier) resembling the action of a sledgehammer in power, ruthlessness, etc

   a sledgehammer blow

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verb

1. (tr) to strike (something) with or as if with a sledgehammer

Etymology

Origin of sledgehammer

First recorded in 1485–95; sledge ² + hammer

Example Sentences

Dr Richard Oakley, from the Alzheimer's Society, said: "It's essential that we interpret this review with nuance and avoid taking a sledgehammer to decades of pioneering scientific study."

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

If we encounter any ice, we have an ice pick or sledgehammer.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

“Distributors looked at it and saw a substance and a really big idea, revolving around that wonderful sledgehammer of a line.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

It gutted me seeing my children bent over, racked with sobs from the sledgehammer blow of disbelief and heartbreak at the sight of their home lying before them in ashes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

An Erudite man—his faction still indicated by his neatly parted hair—bursts free of the crowd just as Edward is pulling back the sledgehammer for another swing.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth