tomahawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist; Historical; Formal (military); Slang (sports).
Quick answer
What does “tomahawk” mean?
A light axe historically used as a tool or weapon by various Indigenous peoples of North America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light axe historically used as a tool or weapon by various Indigenous peoples of North America.
Refers to: 1) A modern axe designed for throwing in sport or survival situations. 2) A specific type of aggressive dunk in basketball where the ball is brought down powerfully with one arm. 3) A type of missile used by the US military.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the word is known primarily in its historical context or as the name for a US missile. In the US, it is more commonly encountered in historical discourse, military contexts (the missile), and sports (the basketball dunk). The metaphorical extensions are far more active in American English.
Connotations
In both dialects, the primary connotation is historical/violent. In the US, secondary connotations include modern military power (missile) and athletic prowess (dunk).
Frequency
The word is significantly more frequent in American English due to its use as a missile name, in historical education, and in sports commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “tomahawk” in a Sentence
[Subject] + tomahawk + [Object] (as verb)[Prepositional Phrase] + with + a tomahawkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tomahawk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The film depicted warriors who would tomahawk their foes.
American English
- He managed to tomahawk the basketball with incredible force.
adjective
British English
- The tomahawk design was distinct from European axes.
American English
- He executed a perfect tomahawk slam during the game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, history, and Native American studies.
Everyday
Rare, except in discussions of history, survivalism, or basketball.
Technical
Common in military aviation/defense contexts (missile).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tomahawk”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tomahawk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tomahawk”
- Pronouncing the final 'k' as /k/ instead of /k/ is fine, but mispronouncing the first vowel is common (e.g., /toʊ-/ instead of /tɒ/ or /tɑː/). Using it as a generic term for any axe.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the historical tool/weapon of Indigenous peoples, it should be used with respect and appropriate context. Casual or metaphorical use (e.g., in sports) is generally not considered offensive but is disconnected from the original cultural object.
Historically, a tomahawk often had a straighter handle and a lighter, more balanced head designed for throwing or fighting, sometimes with a pipe bowl on the opposite side. A hatchet is typically a small axe for chopping wood.
It is the BGM-109 Tomahawk, a long-range, subsonic cruise missile used by the United States Navy and Royal Navy.
It derives from the Virginia Algonquian word 'tamahaac', meaning 'to cut off by tool'.
A light axe historically used as a tool or weapon by various Indigenous peoples of North America.
Tomahawk is usually specialist; historical; formal (military); slang (sports). in register.
Tomahawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒm.ə.hɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑː.mə.hɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bury the tomahawk (to make peace)”
- “dig up the tomahawk (to resume hostilities)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Tom' with a 'hawk'. Imagine a man named Tom throwing a hawk-shaped axe.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAPON IS A TOOL FOR CUTTING (through air, through defenses). AGGRESSION IS A THROWN OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
In which modern context is 'tomahawk' used as a technical term?