machete

[ muh-shet-ee, -chet-ee ]

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.

machete

/ -ˈtʃeɪ-; məˈʃɛtɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of machete¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of machete¹

C16 macheto, from Spanish machete, from macho club, perhaps from Vulgar Latin mattea (unattested) club

Example Sentences

He was found guilty in June this year of torture, overseeing public amputations by machete and the brutal floggings of residents, including children.

From BBC

The Home Office underestimated how many zombie knives and machetes would be surrendered ahead of a recent ban, documents show.

From BBC

The neighbourhood was cordoned off after residents barricaded streets, some armed with machetes and makeshift weapons, in an apparent effort to prevent a gang invasion.

From BBC

The boys were stabbed to death by a group of teenagers with machetes, with blades 42cm long.

From BBC

In September, "zombie-style knives" and "zombie-style machetes" were banned in England and Wales, making it an imprisonable offence to own, make, transport or sell a wide range of “statement” knives favoured by criminal gangs.

From BBC

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• sickle