bayonet

[ bey-uh-nit, -net, bey-uh-net ]

noun

1. a daggerlike steel weapon that is attached to or at the muzzle of a gun and used for stabbing or slashing in hand-to-hand combat.
2. a pin projecting from the side of an object, as the base of a flashbulb or camera lens, for securing the object in a bayonet socket.

verb (used with object)

, bay·o·net·ed or bay·o·net·ted, bay·o·net·ing or bay·o·net·ting.

1. to kill or wound with a bayonet.

bayonet

/ ˈbeɪənɪt /

noun

1. a blade that can be attached to the muzzle of a rifle for stabbing in close combat
2. a type of fastening in which a cylindrical member is inserted into a socket against spring pressure and turned so that pins on its side engage in slots in the socket

verb

1. tr to stab or kill with a bayonet

Word History and Origins

Origin of bayonet¹

1605–15; < French baïonnette, after Bayonne in France (where the weapon was first made or used); -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of bayonet¹

C17: from French baïonnette , from Bayonne where it originated

Example Sentences

MacArthur assumed the task of deploying tanks, bayonets and tear gas on fellow citizens enthusiastically, calling the camp residents “insurrectionists.”

From Los Angeles Times

The knife that killed Mr Khan was sold as part of a pair by DNA Leisure, which described them as the "Anglo Arms bayonet style fixed blade knife set".

From BBC

Attackers stormed a ceremonial gathering place on an island on the lake’s north end called Bo-No-Po-Ti, hunting down women, children and elderly people with bayonets as they fled for cover in the marshes.

From Los Angeles Times

A few months after the order was issued, we saw two soldiers marching up our driveway in Los Angeles carrying rifles and shiny bayonets.

From New York Times

Hand-to-hand fighting with bayonets and hand grenades added to the slaughter.

From Literature