How to pronounce axe
Say it like AKS. Axe is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- AKS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Axe pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AKSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of axe
American and British speakers say axe in essentially the same way: /æks/ in the US and /æks/ in the UK.
British respelling: AKS.
What does axe mean?
- 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.
- A dismissal or rejection.“His girlfriend/boss/schoolmaster gave him the axe.”
- To fell or chop with an axe.
- To lay off, terminate or drastically reduce, especially in a rough or ruthless manner; to cancel.“The government announced its plans to axe public spending.”
- To furnish with an axle.
Where does axe come from?
From Middle English ax, axe, ex, from Old English æx (“axe”), from Proto-West Germanic *akusi (“axe”), from Proto-Germanic *akwisī (“axe”), probably from a Proto-Indo-European *h₂egʷsih₂ (“axe”), from *h₂eḱ- (“sharp, pointed”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with axe
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of axe.
Words that sound like axe
Questions about saying axe
How do you pronounce axe?
Say AKS. The American pronunciation is /æks/. In British English it is /æks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in axe?
Axe is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: AKS.
Do Americans and Brits say axe the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /æks/ and the British form is /æks/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as axe?
Axe sounds the same as ax, Acts in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.