Is it ‘ax’ or ‘axe’?

Have you ever chopped wood with an ax? Have you ever tried axe throwing with friends? If you’re observant, you may have noticed variations in the spelling of the word ax/axe in the prior two sentences. That’s because both axe and ax are the correct ways to spell the word. Ax/axe is one of the few words in English where you can choose which spelling you prefer to use.

What is an ax?

An ax is a tool that is used to cut or split wood. An ax has a sharp blade attached to a handle.

What is an axe?

An axe is a tool with a sharp blade attached to a handle used for cutting or splitting wood

What is the difference between “ax” and “axe”?

There is no difference between the words “ax” and “axe.” They are simply different ways to spell the same tool. Both ways are correct spellings.

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There are some other words in English that can have spelling variations but both versions are correct. For example:

• “Imbed” and “embed”
• “Grey” and “gray”
• “Ambience” and “ambiance”
• “Doughnut” and “donut”

When to use “ax” or “axe”

Again, both “ax” and “axe” are correct versions of the word, so you can’t go wrong using either. Use whichever spelling feels right for you—but beware of rules surrounding British English and American English.

British English vs. American English

British English and American English often spell the same words with the same meaning slightly differently. For example:

• “Favourite” (British English) versus “favorite” (American English)
• “Recognise” (British English) versus “recognize” (American English)
• “Colour” (British English) versus “color” (American English)

In the case of “axe” versus “ax,” “axe” is the preferred British spelling, while “ax” is technically the preferred American spelling. However, “axe” is still widely used in the United States and is still a correct way to spell the word.

Expressions that incorporate “ax” or “axe”

There are plenty of expressions and idioms in English that incorporate axes.

“Axe” or “ax” can also be used as a verb to describe being fired from a job, or when someone or something is removed from a situation abruptly. For example:

• Teri got the axe after her performance in the office dramatically dropped.
• Jake was axed from the basketball team—he just couldn’t keep up!
• The creative team axed that idea last week.

“An axe to grind” (or “an ax to grind”) is another common expression that refers to having a selfish or ulterior motive. It can also refer to having an argument about something. For example:

• I have an axe to grind with my roommate—he is late on rent!
• I missed the deadline last week—my boss is going to have an ax to grind with me.
• The union has no axe to grind—they just want to make sure employees are treated fairly.

The term “battle axe” or “battle ax” is sometimes used to describe a woman who is viewed as difficult, angry, or strong-willed. For example:

• The congressman referred to his political opponent as a battle ax for her aggressive policies that would affect many massive corporations.
• Everyone calls our manager a battle ax when the holidays roll around and she’s pressed to generate more sales.
• She hasn’t spoken to her husband since he called her a battle axe in their argument last night.

Note that this expression is often considered sexist, so use it with caution.

“Waiting for the ax/axe to fall” is another frequently used expression used when someone is anticipating something negative to happen. For example:

• I know I’m going to get laid off—I’m just waiting for the ax to fall.
• Jessica had a feeling she would be kicked out of her apartment after an argument with her roommates—she was just waiting for the axe to fall.
• My final exam result will be back soon, I’m just waiting for the axe to fall.

A similar expression is “an ax/axe hanging over someone.” This expression also is used to describe someone waiting for something bad to happen.

Whether you choose to spell the word like “ax” or “axe,” you can’t go wrong. Writing will be much less stressful now that you know either version is correct!