sledge·ham·mer
ˈslej-ˌha-mər 
: a large heavy hammer that is wielded with both hands
also
: something that resembles a sledgehammer in action
sledgehammered; sledgehammering; sledgehammers
: to strike with or as if with a sledgehammer
: to strike blows with or as if with a sledgehammer
: marked by heavy-handed directness or hard-hitting force
trusting in sledgehammer warfare—
C. J. Rolo
C. J. RoloExamples of sledgehammer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebHarriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2024
The burglars also took a sledgehammer to an elevator door, perhaps thinking a safe was behind it, Balakrishna Sundar said.
—Josh Campbell, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sledgehammer 
Noun
The person was dressed in a black hoodie and ski mask, gray gloves, white Nike tennis shoes and armed with a sledgehammer.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2024
The burglars also took a sledgehammer to an elevator door, perhaps thinking a safe was behind it, Balakrishna Sundar said.
—Josh Campbell, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sledgehammer
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sledgehammer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sledgehammer
Cite this Entry
“Sledgehammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sledgehammer. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sledgehammer
1 of 2 noun
sledge·ham·mer
ˈslej-ˌham-ər
: a large heavy hammer usually used with both hands
sledgehammer
verb
sledgehammer
2 of 2 adjective
: marked by directness or strong force
a sledgehammer approach to the problem
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