Ax vs. Axe — What's the Difference?

An abrupt cancellation or dismissal.

To chop or cut, typically with a bladed instrument.

A tool with a handle and a heavy bladed head, used for chopping wood.

To reduce or remove in a swift manner, used in British English.

A symbol of power or authority in various cultures.

Often used metaphorically to represent termination or dismissal in British contexts.

To remove abruptly or reduce drastically.

A tool similar to an ax but with a spelling used in British English.

To chop or cut with a sharp instrument.

Used in phrases like "to have an axe to grind," meaning to have a personal motive.

Non-standard form of ask

An axe (sometimes ax in American English; see spelling differences) is an implement that has been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood, to harvest timber, as a weapon, and as a ceremonial or heraldic symbol. The axe has many forms and specialised uses but generally consists of an axe head with a handle, or helve.

Variant of axe.

A tool used for chopping wood, typically of iron with a steel edge and wooden handle

Variant of ask.

A musical instrument used in popular music or jazz, especially a guitar or (originally) a saxophone.

(American spelling) axe

End, cancel, or dismiss suddenly and ruthlessly

Alternative form of ask

Cut or strike with an axe, especially violently or destructively

A tool or instrument of steel, or of iron with a steel edge or blade, for felling trees, chopping and splitting wood, hewing timber, etc. It is wielded by a wooden helve or handle, so fixed in a socket or eye as to be in the same plane with the blade. The broadax, or carpenter's ax, is an ax for hewing timber, made heavier than the chopping ax, and with a broader and thinner blade and a shorter handle.

A tool with a bladed, usually heavy head mounted crosswise on a handle, used for felling trees or chopping wood.

To ask; to inquire or inquire of.

Any of various bladed, handheld implements used as a cutting tool or weapon.

An edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

(Informal) A sudden termination of employment

Chop or split with an ax;

(Slang) A musical instrument, especially a guitar.

Terminate;

To chop or fell with or as if with an axe

(Informal) To remove ruthlessly or suddenly

Variant of ax2.

A tool for felling trees or chopping wood etc. consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side, and a handle attached to it.

An ancient weapon consisting of a head that has one or two blades and a long handle.

(informal) A dismissal or rejection.

(figurative) A drastic reduction or cutback.

A gigging musician's particular instrument, especially a guitar in rock music or a saxophone in jazz.

(finance) A position, interest, or reason in buying and selling stock, often with ulterior motives.

(archaic) The axle of a wheel.

(transitive) To fell or chop with an axe.

To lay off, terminate or drastically reduce, especially in a rough or ruthless manner; to cancel.

To furnish with an axle.

Alternative form of ask

See Ax, Axman.

An edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle

Chop or split with an ax;

Terminate;

Yes, common idioms include "an axe to grind" meaning a personal agenda, and "to get the axe," meaning to be dismissed from a job.

The ax/axe is one of the oldest tools used by humans, historically made from stone and later metal, for tree felling, wood splitting, and as a weapon.

Key safety tips include wearing protective gear, ensuring a secure grip, and swinging with controlled, mindful motions to avoid accidents.

Maintenance involves regularly sharpening the blade, oiling the handle and head to prevent rust, and storing it in a dry place.

Yes, it is used in forestry for chopping, in firefighting for breaking through obstacles, and in historical reenactments and combat sports.

There is no universal preference in scientific contexts, but regional spelling norms generally apply.

In various mythologies, the axe symbolizes strength and destruction. For example, it is a common attribute of Thor in Norse mythology.

Yes, the spelling can impact SEO; using the regionally preferred spelling can optimize searchability in specific markets.

Designs vary; a splitting axe has a wider edge to divide wood along the grain, while a chopping axe has a sharper, thinner edge for cross-grain cutting.

Modern axes are usually made from steel for the head and hardwood or composite materials for the handle.

Yes, brands like Gränsfors Bruk from Sweden and Estwing from the USA are renowned for their high-quality axes.

In professional writing, using the spelling that aligns with the intended audience's norms is crucial for maintaining formality and professionalism.

Axe designs have evolved from simple stone tools to sophisticated metal implements with specialized designs for different tasks.

Yes, the axe is featured in many films and books, often as a weapon or survival tool, such as in "The Lord of the Rings."

American media often emphasizes rugged, survivalist uses, while British media may highlight historical and traditional aspects.