henchman
Americannoun
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henchmen
plural
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an unscrupulous and ruthless subordinate, especially a criminal.
The leader of the gang went everywhere accompanied by his henchmen.
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an unscrupulous supporter or adherent of a political figure or cause, especially one motivated by the hope of personal gain.
Hitler and his henchmen.
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a trusted attendant, supporter, or follower.
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Obsolete. a squire or page.
noun
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a faithful attendant or supporter
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archaic a squire; page
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of henchman
1325–75; Middle English henchman, henshman, henksman, hengestman, Old English hengest stallion (cognate with German Hengst ) + man man
Vocabulary lists containing henchman
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
In 1932 she reported on the libel trial brought against Hitler by a former Nazi henchman.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
His henchman Stephen Miller does know how to produce a florid turn of phrase, doesn't he?
From Salon ● Apr. 11, 2025
That same year, he earned praise as Robert De Niro’s henchman in Michael Mann’s crime drama “Heat.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 2025
But one of the film's best and most understated performances comes from Yura Borisov as Igor, a tough but kindly henchman who works for Toros.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2024
“I’m leaving. Your henchman has terrified me completely. I shall never make the mistake of even passing by this vile pigsty.”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
I was perplexed that Rabbi Levine’s excellent piece left out a critical element: The story’s climax isn’t only the execution of Haman and his family of henchmen.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
Multiple battles with Claudius’ henchmen pepper Scarlet and Hijiri’s journey, as does an encounter with the United Nations of this place: a group of wandering nomads from around the world who’ve come together for companionship.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2026
Musk’s henchmen also raised eyebrows when they inadvertently revealed the names of some CIA hires, including those potentially placed in dangerous regions, through an unclassified email to the Trump administration last month.
From Salon ● Mar. 20, 2025
When dictators and their henchmen fall, making sure they don't take the truth with them is a big part of a better future.
From BBC ● Dec. 16, 2024
As I step through the door, I see another one of the Director’s henchmen waiting in the hallway.
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
