ice ax

noun

: a combination pick and adze with a spiked handle that is used in mountain climbing

Illustration of ice ax

Illustration of ice ax

Examples of ice ax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Searchers in a helicopter spotted a jacket and an ice ax believed to belong to the men. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024 The ice ax needs to be where the ice ax needs to be. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 27 June 2024 Trotsky and the ice ax Russian spies — and their American informants — have a long history in Mexico. Owen Hayes, NBC News, 21 Sep. 2024 The murderer infamously used an ice ax; Trotsky died in a hospital the next day. Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ice ax 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ice ax was circa 1800

Dictionary Entries Near ice ax

Cite this Entry

“Ice ax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ice%20ax. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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!