machete

noun

ma·​chete mə-ˈshe-tē How to pronounce machete (audio)
-ˈche-;
-ˈshet
: a large heavy knife used for cutting sugarcane and underbrush and as a weapon

Examples of machete 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.
Individuals were often shot or attacked with stones and machetes while unarmed and not involved in any acts of violence, the report said. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025 The system is adjustable to different blade types and styles, enabling him to sharpen anything from machetes, axes and lawn mower blades to scissors and steak and bread knives. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025 He is often seen shirtless with a large hat on his head and a machete on his hip. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 Ari Lehman, Warrington Gillette and Ken Kirzinger were some of the actors who played the sinister figure of Jason Voorhees before the machete was passed on to Derek Mears in the 2009 version of Friday the 13th. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for machete

Word History

Etymology

Spanish

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of machete was in 1575

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Machete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machete. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

machete

noun
ma·​chete mə-ˈshet-ē How to pronounce machete (audio)
-ˈchet-ē;
mə-ˈshet
: a large heavy knife used especially for cutting sugarcane and underbrush and as a weapon

More from Merriam-Webster on machete

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!