tomahawk

[tom-uh-hawk]

noun

1. a light ax used by the North American Indians as a weapon and tool.

2. any of various similar weapons or implements.

3. (in Australia) a stone hatchet used by Aboriginal peoples.

verb (used with object)

1. to attack, wound, or kill with or as if with a tomahawk.

tomahawk

/ ˈtɒməˌhɔːk /

noun

1. a fighting axe, with a stone or later an iron head, used by the North American Indians

2. the usual word for hatchet

Other Word Forms

• tomahawker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomahawk¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Virginia Algonquian ( English spelling) tamahaac “hatchet,” equivalent to Proto-Algonquian temah- “to cut (it) off” (unattested ) + -a·kan- “instrument for” (unattested)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomahawk¹

C17: from Virginia Algonquian tamahaac

Example Sentences

Then in one motion, Autumn unsheathes her blade and gives the thicket an experimental tomahawk slice.

Read more on Literature

In an episode titled 'Day in the life of a pro footballer', Manchester City and Norway striker Haaland, 25, speaks about his daily routine and enjoyment of cooking - and eating - tomahawk steaks.

Read more on BBC

A copy of her post, which showed a tomahawk steak, red wine and a salad, was shared with the Eastern Daily Press.

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Force of Nature Venison Tomahawk Steak You’ve heard of a beef tomahawk.

Read more on Salon

This is where the Chiefs’ deplorable tomahawk chop stops.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• machete