What does sledge mean?
A sledge is a vehicle fitted with runners that allows people or goods to travel over snow or ice. It may be pulled by people, dogs, or animals and traditionally carries passengers, equipment, and supplies across frozen or snowy terrain. The word is especially common in British English, while American speakers generally use "sled" for the same kind of vehicle. "Sledge" also appears in the established compound "sledgehammer," where it refers to the striking end of a very heavy hammer rather than to the vehicle. In literature and accounts of polar exploration, sledges are often associated with dog teams, endurance, isolation, and harsh winter conditions. The term can therefore describe both an ordinary winter vehicle and an iconic feature of Arctic travel.
A vehicle mounted on runners for carrying people or goods over snow or ice.
"We packed the tent onto a sledge and began the journey across the snow."
More usual in British English; American English generally prefers "sled."
A large heavy hammer, as in the compound "sledgehammer."
"The wall gave way when the demolition crew struck it with a sledge."
Usually encountered as part of the compound "sledgehammer" rather than used independently in modern English.
The plural is used for individual vehicles or, collectively, for several such vehicles.
"Several sledges were lined up outside the expedition headquarters."
Before snowmobiles, getting across a frozen landscape often meant trusting a team of dogs and a wooden sledge.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sledge come from?
The word comes through Dutch, where "slede" denotes a vehicle running on runners. It is cognate with forms such as English "sled" and "sleigh," which developed through different regional usages and spelling traditions. The compound "sledgehammer" combines the same word with "hammer" and originally referred to a heavy hammer with a long handle.
Related word forms
How sledge is actually used
In British English, "sledge" is the common term for the snow vehicle; American English more often uses "sled." The shorter form "sledgehammer" is standard in both varieties.
Easily confused with sledge
A sledge is a vehicle that travels over snow, whereas a sledgehammer is a heavy hammer used for breaking or demolishing hard objects.
The terms are largely interchangeable, but "sled" is especially common in American English, while "sledge" is particularly common in British English.