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

In his field, just a stone's throw from his house, Kone still works only with a machete and wears open-toed shoes.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

The act of opening a durian, which requires a very sharp knife or machete, feels festive and brings friends together the way that sharing a bottle of fine wine does in other cultures.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 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

The London-born actor says a planned law change to ban all zombie knives and machete sales need to be fast-tracked.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2024

He was still there, huddled in the same place with his carbine in hand, his machete in a sheath that hung from his belt, when darkness fell four hours later.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• sickle