To save this word, you'll need to log in.
bat·tle-ax | \ ˈba-tᵊl-ˌaks 
\
\variants:
or battle-axe
Definition of battle-ax
1 : a broadax formerly used as a weapon of war
2 : a usually older woman who is sharp-tongued, domineering, or combative
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for battle-ax
battle-ax
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of battle-ax
: an ax with a large blade that was used as a weapon in the past
informal + disapproving : an unpleasant older woman who speaks in an angry way and tries to control others
See the full definition for battle-ax in the English Language Learners Dictionary
battle-ax
nounbat·tle-ax
variants:
or battle-axe \ ˈba-tᵊl-ˌaks \
Kids Definition of battle-ax
: an ax with a broad blade formerly used as a weapon
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on battle-ax
What made you want to look up battle-ax? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
May 2020 Words of the Day Quiz
- Which is a synonym of exiguous?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share battle-ax
Time Traveler for battle-ax
The first known use of battle-ax was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century