Sledge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sledge

[slɛdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

winter equipment

A vehicle on runners for conveying loads or passengers over snow or ice, often drawn by draft animals.

Synonyms

sled, sleigh, toboggan.

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Word Description / Examples
sledge

This term is used mainly in British English to describe a larger, sturdier sled. It's often pulled by animals and used for transporting goods or people over snow or ice.

  • The explorers loaded their supplies onto the sledge.
  • The old sledge was still functional during the winter.
sled

This term generally refers to a small, simple vehicle used for sliding downhill on snow. It's commonly used in casual winter activities, especially by children.

  • The kids took their sleds to the hill for some snowy fun.
  • She bought a new sled for her son's birthday.
sleigh

Sleigh typically refers to a larger, more ornate vehicle, often depicted being pulled by horses or reindeer, and associated with festivity or transportation over snow. It's common in literary or traditional contexts.

  • They took a sleigh ride through the snowy forest.
  • Santa Claus is said to travel in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
toboggan

This term describes a long, flat sled without runners, often made of wood or plastic, used for sliding down snowy hills. It's usually used in North American English.

  • They used a toboggan to race down the hill.
  • The old wooden toboggan was a family heirloom.

Examples of usage

  • The team used a sledge to transport their equipment across the snowy terrain.
  • They loaded the supplies onto the sledge and pulled it through the icy tundra.
  • The sledge glided smoothly over the frozen lake, making travel much easier.
  • The dogs were harnessed to the sledge, ready to pull it through the snow.
  • Children enjoy riding on a sledge down the snowy hill.

Translations

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Origin of 'sledge'

The word 'sledge' originated from the Middle Dutch word 'sleedse', which means 'sled'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a vehicle on runners for transporting goods or people over snow or ice. Sledges have been an essential mode of transportation in snowy regions for centuries, providing a means of travel in harsh winter conditions.


See also: sledgehammer, sledges.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,608, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.