axe
aks
Axe (noun) means a tool with a heavy blade on one side of the head and a long handle, used for chopping wood. Example: “She used an axe to split firewood for the winter.”
noun
1
A tool with a heavy blade on one side of the head and a long handle, used for chopping wood.
"She used an axe to split firewood for the winter."
"Grandad kept a sharp axe in the shed for chopping logs."
"He swung the axe and the log split cleanly in two."
2
figurative: A drastic cut, cancellation, or dismissal.
"The show finally fell victim to the network's axe after three seasons."
"Staff were worried that the axe might fall on their department next month."
"The council's budget axe hit the local library hardest."
verb
1
To cancel, cut, or dismiss something or someone abruptly.
"The company axed hundreds of jobs last quarter."
"The manager axed the plan before anyone had a chance to object."
"Several bus routes were axed to save money."
How to use axe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe chopping tool, or (figuratively) a sudden cut, cancellation, or firing.
UK vs US
British English prefers "axe"; American English often uses "ax".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
axe jobs
the axe fell
wield an axe
grind an axe
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Word forms
- Plural
- axes
- Third person singular
- axes
- Past tense
- axed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She used an _____ to split firewood for the winter.
Etymology
From Old English æx, from Proto-Germanic *akwisī, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "sharp, pointed".
Related words
Rhymes for axe
See all rhymes for 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.
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