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

Like hatchet clams, root bacteria can purge sulfur. —David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026

The press release on the shooting included photos of a handgun and a hatchet. —Camila Gomez, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Alexander Black, the 24-year-old driver, damaged a vehicle with a hatchet and knife, court records said. —Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Lafayette police arrested Prince on Saturday after being called to a Westminster Place home for a report of a suspicious person with a hatchet. —Jose Fabian, CBS News, 24 Mar. 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