# axe

/ˈæks/ (US) · /ˈæks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/axe
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. wood-cutting tool

noun · CEFR A2

a tool with a heavy metal blade and a wooden handle used for cutting wood or trees.

For teachers: a tool for felling trees or chopping wood, consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side and attached to a handle.

- He used a sharp axe to chop the logs for the winter fire.
- The lumberjack swung the heavy axe with precision, making a deep notch in the trunk of the ancient pine tree.

### 2. cancellation or dismissal

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the act of losing a job or having a project cancelled, often suddenly.

For teachers: a figurative dismissal from employment or the sudden termination of a project or funding.

- Many workers got the axe when the factory closed down last month.
- After the merger was finalised, several redundant departments were given the axe to reduce operational overheads.

### 3. musical instrument

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a slang word for a musician's instrument, especially a guitar or saxophone.

For teachers: a slang term for a gigging musician's primary instrument, most commonly associated with electric guitars in rock or saxophones in jazz.

- The lead guitarist brought his favorite axe on stage for the final solo.
- In the jazz club, the veteran saxophonist referred to his vintage Selmer as his main axe.

### 4. to cancel or fire

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to suddenly end a project or remove someone from their job.

For teachers: to terminate, cancel, or drastically reduce something, typically in a ruthless or sudden manner.

- The TV station decided to axe the show because of low ratings.
- The government was forced to axe the infrastructure project after the projected costs doubled within a single fiscal year.

## Examples

- He used an axe to chop wood for the fire.
- The lumberjack sharpened his axe before heading into the forest to clear the fallen branches.
- While the traditional axe remains essential for forestry, modern lightweight versions are often preferred by hikers for their portability and durability in harsh conditions.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.