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

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

Rich Maw, an independent member of North Yorkshire Council and Scarborough Town Council, said he believed it had been "done too hastily", calling it "a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 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

Judd just points to the sledgehammer again and doubles over laughin’, like it’s the biggest joke he ever played on somebody in his life.

From "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor