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

George Russell and Max Verstappen have vowed to bury the hatchet ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 season, insisting their public spat was water under the bridge. —Dan Cancian, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

And while Kate might be capable of burying the hatchet and moving on, King Charles… and Prince William are not in a forgiving mood. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2025

He was flanked by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, all of whom have buried the hatchet with Trump. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025

Lord John and Jamie halfway bury the hatchet, Claire sighs in annoyance, and Lord John bids Mrs. Fraser adieu. —Lincee Ray, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for hatchet

• ratchet

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