MACHETE Definition & Meaning

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machete

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a large heavy knife used especially in Latin American countries in cutting sugarcane and clearing underbrush and as a weapon.
a tarpon, Elops affinis, of the eastern Pacific Ocean, having an elongated, compressed body.

machete

/ -ˈtʃeɪ-, məˈʃɛtɪ /

noun

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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of machete¹

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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of machete¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Police also seized throwing stars, machetes, crossbows and air weapons, and almost 1,000 rounds.

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One man was killed and another was injured in a machete attack in downtown L.A. over the weekend, according to authorities.

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If a cannibalistic grifter catches little Ellie, you see his machete blade impale her.

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A fight involving machetes at a Melbourne shopping centre has prompted an Australian state to fast-track the country's first-ever ban on the weapon's sale.

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Men armed with machetes and guns killed at least seven children.

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Related 51�Թ�s

blade��
knife��
sickle��

ma chère Machiavelli

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