hatchery

noun

hatch·​ery ˈha-chə-rē How to pronounce hatchery (audio)
plural hatcheries
: a place for hatching eggs (as of poultry or fish)

Examples of hatchery 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.
One requirement the hatcheries must meet is dropping poultry off to the postal service within 24 hours of hatching. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 24 May 2025 There were about 10,000 birds altogether, originally shipped from south-central Pennsylvania hatchery Freedom Ranger Hatchery around April 29. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 24 May 2025 These fish are genetically wired to return to spawn in their natal waterway — in this case, a hatchery pond — after spending years in the Pacific Ocean. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025 In some places, wild runs are still hanging on or are supplemented by hatcheries, while in others, the bottom has dropped out entirely. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hatchery

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hatchery was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Hatchery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hatchery. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hatchery

noun
hatch·​ery ˈhach-(ə-)rē How to pronounce hatchery (audio)
plural hatcheries
: a place for hatching eggs
a fish hatchery

More from Merriam-Webster on hatchery

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