sax

¹ American  

[saks] / sæks /

noun

Informal.

1. saxophone.

---

sax ² American  

[saks] / sæks /

noun

1. a short, single-edged sword of ancient Scandinavia.

---

Sax. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Saxon.

2. Saxony.

---

sax ¹ British  

/ sæks /

noun

1. a tool resembling a small axe, used for cutting roofing slate

---

sax ² British  

/ sæks /

noun

1. informal short for saxophone

---

Etymology

Origin of sax¹

By shortening

Origin of sax²

before 900; Middle English sexe, Old English seax, sæx; cognate with Old Norse sax ( Swedish, Danish sax scissors). See saw ¹

Example Sentences

As Les Paul said, if you’re a pianist, you’re stuck behind the piano, and if you play the sax, you can’t play and sing at the same time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

I was hooked by the magisterial piano and sax solos of the epic “Jungleland,” set in a romanticized New York City—instantly my first favorite Bruce song.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Hunter Burgan of AFI was brought out and introduced as not only “one of the raddest bass players ever ripping” but also “a mean sax player.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2025

From trap corrido originators Arsenal Efectivo to Conjunto Rienda Real’s signature norteño sax, each performer paid tribute to their closest friends and professional peers — many of whom were invited to share the stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

I put my sax case back next to the bed and was about to leave the room when I looked over at Herman E. Calloway’s back.

From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis