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

Lawson, whose surgery was originally scheduled for the coming weekend, said: "It was kind of like being hit with a sledgehammer."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 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

To Cole it felt as if a sledgehammer was striking his chest and arms.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen