hatchet

noun

hatch·​et ˈha-chət 

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 exchange between Marina and Charli also seems to capture the pair publicly burying the hatchet after a falling out in 2016 over a photoshoot. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2024

All parties eventually buried the hatchet, with Wayne later comparing his own career and longevity to LeBron’s. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 June 2024

The two performers were involved in a years-long feud before burying the hatchet in December 2023. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2024

The scraping of a hatchet over his head was the least of what was done to the man, whose eyes were swollen and whose face was so battered that his jaw appeared to be broken. —Photographs Todd Heisler, New York Times, 19 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing hatchet

• bury the hatchet
• hatchet face
• hatchet job
• hatchet man
• hatchet work

Kids 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