'tomahawk' originates from the Algonquian language, specifically the word 'otomahuk,' where 'oto-' meant 'to cut' and '-mahuk' meant 'tool.'

'otomahuk' transformed into the colonial English word 'tomahawk,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tomahawk.'

Initially, it meant 'a tool for cutting,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a light axe used by Native Americans.'