hatchet

noun

hatch·​et ˈha-chət How to pronounce hatchet (audio)
1
: a short-handled ax often with a hammerhead to be used with one hand
2

Examples of hatchet 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.
Republicans favor burying the hatchet, with 72% saying the country would be better off with the men working in tandem. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 In a series of conversations with television anchors Friday morning, Trump showed no interest in burying the hatchet. Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 In a separate incident last month, a 27-year-old Belmont man allegedly smashed another motorist’s vehicle with a hatchet. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 5 June 2025 The challenge was to build and raise the walls for the second stories of six future homes, at stake were the bragging rights in contests such as nail driving and rubber hatchet throws. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hatchet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hachet, from Anglo-French hachette, diminutive of hache battle-ax — more at hash

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hatchet was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hatchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hatchet. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hatchet

noun
hatch·​et ˈhach-ət How to pronounce hatchet (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce hatchet (audio)
: a dental excavator

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