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

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

The next minutes are a blur of snarling teeth, thrashing claws and deadly hatchet blows. — Steve Searles, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Closest to the fence was a pig man with a rubber hand, who was gripping a hatchet with his flesh-and-blood hand. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 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