Sledges: meaning, definitions and examples

This word usually refers to a type of vehicle on runners used for sliding over snow or ice, particularly larger ones intended for work purposes or carrying heavy loads.

• The explorers loaded their supplies onto the sledges for the Arctic expedition

A sleigh is often associated with festive or traditional contexts and is typically horse-drawn. It is more commonly used in the context of holidays or historical references.

• They took a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the wintery landscape

This term is commonly used to describe a smaller, lighter vehicle used for recreational purposes, such as children's sledding.

• We bought a new sled for the kids to use on the snowy hill

A toboggan refers to a flat-bottomed, usually wooden, sled without runners, used for sliding down snowy slopes. It is often associated with simple, traditional sledding activities.

• The children enjoyed a fun day riding the toboggan down the hill

When referring to the plural form of a sledgehammer, typically used by construction workers, blacksmiths, and DIY enthusiasts for heavy-duty work like breaking rocks or demolishing structures.

• The workers carried several sledges to the demolition site.
• We need to buy some new sledges for the project.

When referring to a heavy hammer or mallet, often used to split wood or for jobs requiring significant force. It can also imply damage or violence in a different usage.

• He used a maul to split the logs for the fireplace.
• The blacksmith's maul was essential for shaping the metal.

When referring to a heavy-duty hammer similar to a sledgehammer, typically used for large-scale demolition or breaking tasks.

• The construction workers used a sledging hammer to break through the wall.
• For this kind of heavy-duty work, you'll need a sledging hammer.

When talking about a specific type of hammer used mainly for driving stakes or posts into the ground, often used in construction or fencing.

• The crew used a driving hammer to set up the fence posts.
• She grabbed the driving hammer to secure the tent stakes.