hand ax
noun
1
: a short-handled ax intended for use with one hand
2
: a prehistoric stone tool having one end pointed for cutting and the other end rounded for holding in the hand
Examples of hand ax in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An iconic example of this is the hand ax, which is a core that’s been flaked into a teardrop shape.
—
John K. Murray,
The Conversation,
7 May 2025
Witten has lent the hand ax to the Worthing Museum, where it will be displayed until February.
—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
5 Dec. 2024
The Neanderthal tools found at the site include a hand ax and small flint tools known as scrapers.
—
Joshua Hawkins,
BGR,
21 Dec. 2021
Archaeological scientist Ellery Frahm holds an obsidian hand ax unearthed in Armenia.
—
Gemma Tarlach,
Discover Magazine,
12 Apr. 2019
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John K. Murray,
The Conversation,
7 May 2025
Witten has lent the hand ax to the Worthing Museum, where it will be displayed until February.
—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
5 Dec. 2024
The Neanderthal tools found at the site include a hand ax and small flint tools known as scrapers.
—
Joshua Hawkins,
BGR,
21 Dec. 2021
Archaeological scientist Ellery Frahm holds an obsidian hand ax unearthed in Armenia.
—
Gemma Tarlach,
Discover Magazine,
12 Apr. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Hand ax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand%20ax. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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