bayonet

1 of 2

noun

bay·​o·​net ˈbā-ə-nət 

-ˌnet,

ˌbā-ə-ˈnet 

: a steel blade attached at the muzzle end of a shoulder arm (such as a rifle) and used in hand-to-hand combat

bayonet

2 of 2

verb

bayoneted also bayonetted; bayoneting also bayonetting

transitive verb

1

: to stab with a bayonet

2

: to compel or drive by or as if by the bayonet

intransitive verb

: to use a bayonet

Examples of bayonet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are vents in the back for fresh air, pin bayonets and a slide lock to keep doors tightly closed and secure, and all-weather construction to prevent rust and corrosion. —Shea Simmons, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024

Between the lines: While Jeffries is known for his scorching takedowns of Republicans behind the podium and on the House floor, his allies say one of his unsung skills is knowing when to put down his bayonet and cut a deal. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024

Verb

There were injuries this time, with some students bayoneted for not retreating. —Paula Schleis, cincinnati.com, 2 May 2020

And anyway, always better to be bitten by a stingray than bayoneted. —Erik Heinrich, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French baïonnette, from Bayonne, France

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing bayonet

• Spanish bayonet

Kids Definition

bayonet

1 of 2 noun

bay·​o·​net ˈbā-ə-nət  -ˌnet 

ˌbā-ə-ˈnet

: a weapon like a dagger made to fit on the muzzle end of a rifle

bayonet

2 of 2 verb

bayoneted also bayonetted; bayoneting also bayonetting

: to stab with a bayonet