Pronunciation

/ˈhætʃ/

Definitions

• Noun (n): The opening in a bird’s eggshell from which the chick emerges; also, the act of breaking out of such an eggshell. For example: “The chick made its way through the tiny hatch.”
• Noun (n): An entrance, usually a small door or gate, especially one in the deck or roof of a ship, aircraft, or building. Example: “The sailors climbed through the hatch to access the cargo hold.”
• Noun (n): A framework or device for admitting light and air to a mine, tunnel, or other underground space. Example: “They installed an emergency escape hatch in the tunnel.”
• Verb (v): To emerge from an egg by breaking through the shell. Example: “The chicks began to hatch from their eggs.”
• Verb (v): To produce or bring forth young from eggs. Example: “The hen hatched five chicks.”
• Verb (v): To devise or contrive, often with malicious intent. Example: “They were busy hatching a plot against their rival.”
• Verb (v): To cause something to develop or come into existence, often by nurturing or fostering. Example: “The entrepreneur was working hard to hatch a new business idea.”

Phrases

• “Hatch a plan” - To create or devise a strategy or scheme.
• “Break cover/hatch” - To emerge suddenly or unexpectedly, especially from hiding.
• “Hatchway” - The opening or passage through a hatch on a ship or in a building.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The captain ordered all hands on deck to secure the main hatch during the storm.”
• Verb: “After weeks of incubation, the baby turtles finally hatched under the moonlight.”
• Verb: “The spies spent months hatching a plan to infiltrate the enemy’s headquarters.”

Synonyms

• Noun (for the opening): portal, aperture, entry, doorway, vent
• Verb (for emerging from an egg): break out, emerge, be born
• Verb (for devising a plan): conceive, contrive, plot, scheme, devise