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

After more than six years of courtroom struggles, Harry may be getting ready to bury the hatchet. —Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026

This means that its beak likely wasn’t designed to function like a pair of jaws, but more like a biological hatchet. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

If there are hatchets to be buried, then let’s get to work. —Richard Gehr, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2026

Jurors were presented with evidence from a forensic scientist that DNA consistent with Ana's profile was found on a hatchet and hacksaw recovered from the trash. —Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025

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