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

One such detail is the prospect of a Gallagher-brothers-style burying of the hatchet for Harry and Prince William. — Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026

In August 1892, her father, Andrew, and stepmother, Abby, were discovered dead in their home, having been attacked with a hatchet. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

As the two men squared up, Krichbaum started swinging a hatchet, Gay told police. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

The consequences take a hatchet to common-sense representation. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

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