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.
The two seemed to bury the hatchet and have been taking things slow in private. Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 11 Apr. 2025 Trump has already taken a hatchet to federal EV policy. Time, 4 Apr. 2025 The next item down the hatchet was the massive $2 egg roll. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025 During transport, the slim package prevents the awkward dual-directional bulk of a traditional fixed hatchet while storing the blade more safely. New Atlas, 27 Feb. 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 23 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on hatchet

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!