Ax or Axe | Spelling, Usage & Examples

It can be a little confusing to know whether to use axe or ax as the spelling of this noun or verb. Very often with alternate spellings, there is a clear distinction between British English and American English spellings.

However, this is not necessarily the case with axe/ax.

Axe/ax is a verb and noun. The noun describes a sharpened metal-bladed tool with a handle that is designed for chopping. The verb refers to using such a tool to chop, literally or figuratively (e.g., “A total of 25 jobs were axed”).

In British English, the correct spelling is always axe. In American English, you can use either axe or ax. It seems that towards the end of the 20th century, ax was the preferred spelling, but now axe is more common.

However, it is worth checking the style guide of any institution you are writing for, as some still prefer the ax spelling.

Axe (British English and American English)

Axe can be used in both American English and British English, for both the verb and the noun. Just remember to check that your style guide does not require the ax spelling.

When used as a verb, axe is regular and adds “-d” to form the simple past tense and the past participle.

Ax (American English)

In American English, you are usually free to use either ax or axe. Some publications (e.g., Time and The New York Times) prefer ax, but unless you are working to a specific style guide, you should feel free to use either. Just remember to be consistent.

This is true for both the verb and the noun forms of the word. Ax is a regular verb, so it adds “-ed” to form the past tense and the past participle.

Frequently asked questions about axe or ax

Is axe correct in American English?

Yes, axe is correct in American English, and is actually the more common spelling. However, some style guides require that it be spelled ax, so it is important to check.

And remember, being consistent is also important. Don’t switch between ax and axe. Choose one and stick to it.

Axe is a noun that describes a long-handled tool with a sharpened, wedge-shaped cutting head used to chop things (typically wood).

It is also a regular verb, describing the action of chopping with the eponymous tool.

To make sure you have the right spelling of ax or axe, you can use the QuillBot Grammar Checker.

What is a battle-axe?

A battle-axe or battleaxe (or, in the US, battle-ax) is traditionally an axe designed for use in battle. It is also a disparaging term for a woman who is seen as belligerent or bellicose. It is best avoided, seeing as it relies on a stereotype of a woman who is docile and gentle.

The battle-axe was used for many centuries across many cultures as a relatively cheap weapon that was simple to manufacture and could inflict devastating wounds.

The QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool can help you find alternatives to battle-axe to reflect your intended meaning.

What does axe to grind mean?

If you have an axe to grind, it means you are holding a grudge or want to pursue a particular agenda (e.g., “Everyone could see that John had come to the meeting with an axe to grind”).

Having an axe to grind is an example of an idiom, where the meaning of the phrase is not what it says literally.

You can imagine that in a situation where there is a line of people waiting to use a public grind wheel, someone who is waiting to grind their axe will be a little impatient and focused on getting the job done. This is having an axe to grind.

In American English, axe and ax are interchangeable, so you may see the expression spelled as ax to grind.