What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
axe
Example
He used an axe to chop firewood for the winter. [axe: noun]
Example
The army carried axes as weapons during the medieval battles. [axes: plural noun]
hatchet
Example
She used a hatchet to chop some kindling for the campfire. [hatchet: noun]
Example
The company made the difficult decision to take a hatchet to their budget. [hatchet: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Axe is more commonly used than hatchet in everyday language, especially when referring to the tool for chopping wood. Hatchet is less common and often used in specific contexts such as camping or survival.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between axe and hatchet?
Both axe and hatchet are generally informal and casual words. However, axe can sometimes be associated with more forceful or aggressive actions, while hatchet is often used in a more neutral or descriptive manner.
