noun / verb
sledge
A heavy hammer for striking or breaking, or to strike with one.
The worker swings a sledge to break the concrete slab.
Etymology
Old English slecg means a heavy hammer. The modern tool name preserves that striking function, distinct from sledge meaning a sled.
More examples
- The blacksmith keeps two sledges beside the anvil.
- They sledged the old concrete steps into chunks.
- Use a sledge to drive the steel wedge deeper.
Forms
sledge · sledges · sledged · sledging
Similar words
- sledgehammer
- The more common name for the same heavy hammer.
- hammer
- A broader term covering lighter tools as well.