sledge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral; used in both informal and formal contexts depending on meaning.
Quick answer
What does “sledge” mean?
A vehicle on runners for travelling over snow or ice, typically pulled by animals or people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A vehicle on runners for travelling over snow or ice, typically pulled by animals or people.
Also a heavy hammer used for breaking rocks or concrete, or the verb meaning to travel on a sledge or to hit forcefully.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'sledge' is the standard term for a snow vehicle. In the US, 'sled' is more common for this meaning. 'Sledge' in the US is primarily used for the heavy hammer.
Connotations
UK: childhood, winter fun, transport. US: industrial tool, force, demolition.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English for the snow vehicle meaning. In US English, 'sled' is high frequency; 'sledge' (hammer) is low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “sledge” in a Sentence
sledge + [adverbial of place] (We sledged down the hill)sledge + [direct object] (They sledged the supplies to camp)use + sledge + to-infinitive (He used a sledge to break the ice)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sledge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll go sledging if it snows tomorrow.
- The kids spent the afternoon sledging down the park slope.
American English
- (Less common; would use 'sledding') They sledged the debris away after the demolition.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- Sledge runs were prepared for the winter festival.
- A sledge dog team.
American English
- Sledge hammer (often written as one word: sledgehammer).
- Sledge hockey (para ice hockey).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in logistics (polar supply) or construction (sledgehammer).
Academic
In historical/geographical texts about polar exploration or traditional transport.
Everyday
Common in UK: discussing winter activities, snow. In US: DIY, construction.
Technical
In construction/manual trades for 'sledgehammer'. In sports like bobsleigh/luge contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sledge”
- Using 'sledge' in US English to mean snow vehicle (use 'sled').
- Confusing 'sledge' with 'sleigh' (/sleɪ/ - more for Santa or horse-drawn).
- Misspelling as 'sledg'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Sledge' (UK) and 'sled' (US) are general terms for snow vehicles. 'Sleigh' typically refers to a larger, often horse-drawn or decorative vehicle, like a Santa's sleigh.
Yes, primarily in British English (e.g., 'go sledging'). In American English, the verb is usually 'to sled'.
It is a large, heavy hammer with a long handle, used for breaking rocks or concrete. The term is used in both UK and US English.
Literally, no for the snow vehicle. The hammer meaning is year-round. Metaphorically, yes (e.g., 'sledgehammer approach').
A vehicle on runners for travelling over snow or ice, typically pulled by animals or people.
Sledge is usually neutral; used in both informal and formal contexts depending on meaning. in register.
Sledge: in British English it is pronounced /sledʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /sledʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sledgehammer to crack a nut (UK idiom meaning using excessive force for a minor problem)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SLEDGE: SLiding EDGE on snow, or SLam EDGE with a hammer.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORCE IS A HEAVY IMPACT (sledgehammer); FUN IS A DOWNWARD JOURNEY (sledging).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the most common term for a vehicle for sliding on snow?