Definition of sledgehammer
(Entry 1 of 3)
: a large heavy hammer that is wielded with both hands
also
: something that resembles a sledgehammer in action
sledgehammer
verb
sledgehammered; sledgehammering; sledgehammers
Definition of sledgehammer (Entry 2 of 3)
: to strike with or as if with a sledgehammer
: to strike blows with or as if with a sledgehammer
sledgehammer
adjectiveDefinition of sledgehammer (Entry 3 of 3)
: marked by heavy-handed directness or hard-hitting force
trusting in sledgehammer warfare— C. J. Rolo
Buying Guide
Our Reviews team has selected the best hammers.
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Food
-
- Name these cookies!

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share sledgehammer
Time Traveler for sledgehammer
The first known use of sledgehammer was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century