How to pronounce sledgehammer
Say it like SLEJ-ham-er. Sledgehammer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLEJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sledgehammer. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SLEJ
- ham
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sledgehammer pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SLEJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- hamKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of sledgehammer
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SLEJ-ham-uh.
What does sledgehammer mean?
- A hammer that consists of a large, heavy, broad and flat block of metal (the head) attached to a handle typically 0.5 meter to 1 meter long. The sledgehammer's design is meant to allow it to be swung powerfully, and to distribute force over a wide area upon impact.
- To strike (something) with a sledgehammer.
- Completely lacking grace and dexterity.
Where does sledgehammer come from?
Compound of sledge + hammer.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying sledgehammer
How do you pronounce sledgehammer?
Say SLEJ-ham-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈslɛdʒhæmɚ/. In British English it is /ˈslɛdʒhæmə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sledgehammer?
Sledgehammer has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SLEJ). Broken into parts: SLEJ · ham · er.
Is sledgehammer pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈslɛdʒhæmə/ (SLEJ-ham-uh).