machete

American  

[muh-shet-ee, -chet-ee] / məˈʃɛt i, -ˈtʃɛt i /

noun

1. a large heavy knife used especially in Latin American countries in cutting sugarcane and clearing underbrush and as a weapon.

2. a tarpon, Elops affinis, of the eastern Pacific Ocean, having an elongated, compressed body.

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machete British  

/ -ˈtʃeɪ-, məˈʃɛtɪ /

noun

1. a broad heavy knife used for cutting or as a weapon, esp in parts of Central and South America

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Etymology

Origin of machete

First recorded in 1575–1600; < Spanish, equivalent to mach(o) “mallet” ( mace ¹ ) + -ete noun suffix ( -et ( def. ) )

Compare meaning

How does machete compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• kukri vs. machete

Example Sentences

As the two old men told their stories, a youngster brushed past them, a machete slung over his shoulder.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Mr Amin said they had found crucial evidence in the suspect's house, including 10 phones, a laptop, machete, identity cards and personal female clothing.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2024

Ogou Je Wouj is a manifestation of the god of war and is believed to wield a machete.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

Searcher goes from proclaiming, “I’m not my father,” and shaming Jaeger for giving him a machete on his second birthday to bonding with his dad.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2024

“Leave my customers alone,” he shouted at her and waved the greasy rag the way Don Berto used to wave his sharp machete.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• sickle