axe
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for axe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tool with a heavy blade on one side of the head and a long handle, used for chopping wood.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use axe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English æx, from Proto-Germanic *akwisī, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "sharp, pointed".
Full origin of axe →Frequently asked questions
What does “axe” mean?
The word “axe” means a tool with a heavy blade on one side of the head and a long handle, used for chopping wood. In plain terms, the chopping tool, or (figuratively) a sudden cut, cancellation, or firing.
How do you pronounce “axe”?
“Axe” is pronounced aks (/æks/ in IPA).
How do you use “axe” in a sentence?
Here is “axe” used in a sentence: “She used an axe to split firewood for the winter.”
What part of speech is “axe”?
Depending on how it is used, “axe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “axe” come from?
The word “axe” comes from Old English. From Old English æx, from Proto-Germanic *akwisī, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "sharp, pointed".
Is “axe” a common word?
“Axe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “axe” have?
“Axe” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tool with a heavy blade on one side of the head and a long handle, used for chopping wood.
What is the difference between axe and ax?
Axe and ax refer to the same tool with a heavy blade and long handle used for chopping wood; "axe" is the more common spelling in British English, while "ax" is often used in American English, though both spellings appear in each variety.
What does it mean to axe something figuratively?
Figuratively, to axe something means to cancel, cut, or dismiss it abruptly, such as a company axing a project or a manager axing an employee's job.
Is axe used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun, axe refers to the chopping tool or, figuratively, to a drastic cut or dismissal. As a verb, to axe means to cancel, cut, or dismiss something or someone abruptly.