What is the Difference Between Sledge and Sleigh

The main difference between sledge and sleigh is that the term sledge is mainly used in British English.

In a general context, the two words, sleigh and sledge, are interchangeable. Both refer to a kind of sled, a land vehicle that slides across ice or snow. They can convey loads or passengers over snow or ice. So, the difference between sledge and sleigh is usually in their usage.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Sledge 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Sleigh
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Sledge and Sleigh
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Sledge and Sleigh
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Sledge, Sleigh, Sled

What is a Sledge

A sledge is a land vehicle that slides across ice or snow. The term sledge is common in British English. A sledge can also be defined as “a vehicle on runners for conveying loads or passengers over snow or ice, often pulled by draught animals”. These are often pulled by oxen or horses. Sledges may have either a smooth underside or a separate body held by two or more narrow, longitudinal runners (similar in principle to skins). This structure reduces the amount of friction, making it easier to carry heavy loads.

We also use the word sledge as a verb. That means, to slide downhill on snow or ice, or transport people or loads over ice or snow, using a sledge. In American English, the word sledge is not as common as in British English. In fact, most Americans would associate the word sledge with a sledgehammer, not a sled. However, this is not to say that the terms sledge is not in American English. In American English, the word sleigh usually refers to a heavier sled used for moving massive objects.

What is a Sleigh

A sleigh is a sledge drawn by horses or reindeer, especially one used for passengers. This is a moderate to large-sized vehicle with an open-top and carries passengers of goods.  For example, Santa’s sleigh, which is pulled by the eight reindeers: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.

In a general context, the two words, sleigh and sledge, are interchangeable. The following sentences are some examples of these words.

• Two strong oxen pulled their sledge.
• In the winter, teams of horses drag sledges full of cut logs across the ice.
• Then, Father Christmas arrived in a sleigh drawn by eight reindeers.
• He also has to pull a 60 lb sledge across 200 miles.
• Reindeer sleighs and dog sleds are very common in the months of winter.
• It took him a long time to pull the sleigh to the barn.

Similarities Between Sledge and Sleigh

• In a general context, the two words, sleigh and sledge, are interchangeable.
• Both these words refer to a kind of sled, a land vehicle that slides across ice or snow.
• Moreover, these can carry passengers or heavy loads, and animals pull them.

Difference Between Sledge and Sleigh

Definition

A sledge is a vehicle that conveys loads or passengers over snow or ice, often pulled by draught animals while a sleigh is a sledge drawn by horses or reindeer, especially one used for passengers.

Usage

The term sledge mainly occurs in British English while the word sleigh occurs in both American and British English.

Conclusion

A sledge is a vehicle that conveys loads or passengers over snow or ice, often pulled by draught animals whole a sleigh is a sledge drawn by horses or reindeer, especially one used for passengers. The main difference between sledge and sleigh is that the term sledge mainly occurs in British English.

Reference:

1. “Sled.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Jan. 2021, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1352730” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Merry Santa Claus Carries Gifts In A Sleigh” (CC0) via Pixy