First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hatch
noun \ˈhach\
Definition of HATCH
1
: a small door or opening (as in an airplane or spaceship) <an escape hatch>
2
a : an opening in the deck of a ship or in the floor or roof of a building b : the covering for such an opening c : hatchway d : compartment
3
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Origin of HATCH
Middle English hache, from Old English hæc; akin to Middle Dutch hecke trapdoor
2hatch
verb
Definition of HATCH
intransitive verb
1
: to produce young by incubation
2
a : to emerge from an egg, chrysalis, or pupa b : to give forth young or imagoes
3
: to incubate eggs : brood
transitive verb
1
a : to produce (young) from an egg by applying natural or artificial heat b : incubate 1a
2
: to bring into being : originate; especially : to concoct in secret <hatch a plot>
— hatch·abil·i·ty \ˌha-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— hatch·able \ˈha-chə-bəl\ adjective
— hatch·er noun
Origin of HATCH
Middle English hacchen; akin to Middle High German hecken to mate
First Known Use: 13th century
3hatch
noun
Definition of HATCH
1
: an act or instance of hatching
2
: a brood of hatched young
First Known Use of HATCH
1601
4hatch
verb
Definition of HATCH
transitive verb
1
: to inlay with narrow bands of distinguishable material <a silver handle hatched with gold>
2
: to mark (as a drawing or engraving) with fine closely spaced lines
Origin of HATCH
Middle French hacher to chop, slice up, incise with fine lines, from Old French hachier — more at hash
First Known Use: 15th century
5hatch
noun
Definition of HATCH
: line; especially : one used to give the effect of shading
First Known Use of HATCH
1658
HATCH Defined for Kids
1hatch
noun \ˈhach\
Definition of HATCH for Kids
1
: an opening in the deck of a ship or in the floor or roof of a building
2
: a small door or opening (as in an airplane) <an escape hatch>
3
: the cover for such an opening
2hatch
verb
hatchedhatch·ing
Definition of HATCH for Kids
1
: to come out of an egg <The chicks were hatching.>
2
: to break open and give forth young <The eggs will soon hatch.>
3
: to develop usually in secret <They hatched an evil plan.>
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