tomahawk

1 of 2

noun

tom·​a·​hawk ˈtä-mi-ˌhȯk How to pronounce tomahawk (audio)
: a light ax used as a missile and as a hand weapon especially by North American Indians

tomahawk

2 of 2

verb

tomahawked; tomahawking; tomahawks

transitive verb

: to cut, strike, or kill with a tomahawk

Examples of tomahawk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
It is known for its Glatt Kosher tomahawks and Siberian caviar–topped Monop potatoes. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2023 The 100th encampment included model rocket launch demonstrations, archery, sling shots, tomahawk throwing, camp cooking, ham radio demonstrations and the ability to visit the museum at the Moundville Archaeological Park. From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2022 Details on Calle Rosa's menu have been slim, though diners can expect showy plates of high-end classics like lobster, crab and tomahawk steaks. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 14 Apr. 2023 In a TikTok video that Salt Bae himself posted—and later deleted—the chef delivers two gold tomahawk steaks to General Lam’s table, then feeds the official a bite from the tip of a carving knife. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 May 2023 In the TikTok video, Salt Bae carries what appear to be two gold tomahawk steaks to General Lam’s table at his London restaurant. Chau Doan, New York Times, 26 May 2023 Main courses range from a $26 Wagyu burger to a 48-ounce prime bone-in tomahawk steak for $265. Amanda Albee, Chron, 17 Apr. 2023 Menu showstoppers include Wagyu tomahawks and whole Alaskan king crabs, served near a stage made famous by Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. Adam Robb, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2023 For example, there are only 14 ribs on a steer, so when the tomahawks are gone, the menu changes. Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2023
Verb
Gallen left another pitch up in the fourth and Albies tomahawked it out to right, tying it at 3. John Marshall, ajc, 4 June 2023 With a one-on-one battle against right tackle Morgan Moses, the Bears star turned the corner and tomahawked Keenum’s right forearm. Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, 27 Sep. 2019 Leadoff man George Springer tomahawked Strasburg’s first pitch and almost knocked down the left field wall for a double. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Oct. 2019 Hayes viciously tomahawked the unquestioned highlight of this year’s July event. Jake Fischer, SI.com, 10 July 2019 Albert Almora tomahawked a chin-high fastball down the right field line. Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, 3 July 2018 On Mount Shuksan, Adam caught an edge on both the northwest couloir and the line above Hanging Glacier, his body tomahawking through space. Christopher Solomon, Outside Online, 22 Mar. 2018 There was Glover Quinn tomahawking the ball way from Doug Martin. Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2017 In his first at-bat, with two runners on in the second inning, Austin looked at two changeups before tomahawking a high fastball high over the Green Monster to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead. Billy Witz, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2017 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tomahawk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Virginia Algonquian tomahack

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1612, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tomahawk was circa 1612

Dictionary Entries Near tomahawk

Cite this Entry

“Tomahawk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tomahawk. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

tomahawk

noun
tom·​a·​hawk
ˈtäm-i-ˌhȯk
: a light ax used as a weapon especially by North American Indians
tomahawk verb

More from Merriam-Webster on tomahawk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!