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Definition of machete

machete

/məˈʃɛt.i/
ma · che · te
Plural:machetes
•
Past Simple:macheted
•
Past Participle:macheted
•
Present Participle:macheting
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machete Lexical Profile

machete Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, heavy knife with a broad blade, typically used as an agricultural implement for cutting through dense undergrowth, sugar cane, or as a weapon.

Example

"The guide used a sharp machete to clear a trail through the thick jungle vines."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To cut, slash, or clear a path using a large, broad-bladed knife.

Example

"The researchers macheted their way through the thick bamboo forest to reach the hidden river."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for machete

• Nearby Words

mace
mach
mache
machete
machine
machine gun
machine-gun

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish 'machete', a diminutive of 'macho' (sledgehammer), which derives from the Latin 'marculus' (small hammer).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Machete. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/machete
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