noun

pulaski

puu-LAS-kee

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Pulaski (noun) means a firefighting hand tool combining an axe blade on one side and a mattock (digging) blade on the other, used to fight wildfires. Example: “The crew used pulaskis to cut a fire line through the brush.”

noun

A firefighting hand tool combining an axe blade on one side and a mattock (digging) blade on the other, used to fight wildfires.

"The crew used pulaskis to cut a fire line through the brush."

name

A surname of Polish origin.

"The tool is named after Ed Pulaski, the forest ranger who designed it."

How to use pulaski

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe combined axe-and-mattock tool wildland firefighters carry.

Common pairings

swing a pulaski pulaski and shovel

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: pulaskis

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The crew used _____ to cut a fire line through the brush.

Etymology

Named after Edward C. Pulaski (1866–1931), the American forest ranger who invented the tool.

· First attested 1866

Class of 1866 pulaski joined the language around 1866.

ecology hoodlum

See the full Class of 1866 →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pulaski” mean?

The word “pulaski” means a firefighting hand tool combining an axe blade on one side and a mattock (digging) blade on the other, used to fight wildfires. In plain terms, the combined axe-and-mattock tool wildland firefighters carry.

How do you pronounce “pulaski”?

“Pulaski” is pronounced puu-LAS-kee (/pʊˈlæski/ in IPA).

How do you use “pulaski” in a sentence?

Here is “pulaski” used in a sentence: “The crew used pulaskis to cut a fire line through the brush.”

What part of speech is “pulaski”?

Depending on how it is used, “pulaski” can be a noun and a name.

Where does the word “pulaski” come from?

The word “pulaski” dates back to around 1866. Named after Edward C. Pulaski (1866–1931), the American forest ranger who invented the tool.

How many meanings does “pulaski” have?

“Pulaski” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a firefighting hand tool combining an axe blade on one side and a mattock (digging) blade on the other, used to fight wildfires.