1
: a short-handled ax often with a hammerhead to be used with one hand
2
: tomahawk
Examples of hatchet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The couple had been killed as a result of multiple blows to their heads with a hatchet.
—
Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 28 July 2025
In addition, the second Trump administration has taken a hatchet to public spending on climate science research, proposing to eliminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s research activities altogether while making cuts at other agencies as well.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
That’s because Trump is taking a hatchet to the government’s economic data infrastructure.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
In the years since, Nicks and Buckingham have buried the hatchet, but rarely performed together.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hatchet
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Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 28 July 2025
In addition, the second Trump administration has taken a hatchet to public spending on climate science research, proposing to eliminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s research activities altogether while making cuts at other agencies as well.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
That’s because Trump is taking a hatchet to the government’s economic data infrastructure.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
In the years since, Nicks and Buckingham have buried the hatchet, but rarely performed together.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hatchet
Cite this Entry
“Hatchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hatchet. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hatchet
noun
hatch·et
ˈhach-ət 
: a small ax with a short handle
Etymology
Middle English hachet "small ax, hatchet," from early French hachette, literally, "small battle-ax," from hache "battle-ax"; of Germanic origin — related to hash entry 1, hatch entry 4
Medical Definition
hatchet
noun
hatch·et
ˈhach-ət
: a dental excavator
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