machete
word
Definition
A machete is a large, broad knife used for cutting through thick plants, usually in jungles or farms. It is also sometimes used as a tool or weapon.
Usage & Nuances
Machete is used in both literal (a physical knife) and figurative ways (rare: to cut through difficulties). Common collocations: 'swing a machete,' 'clear a path with a machete.' The Spanish and Portuguese words are used in English-speaking regions, especially to refer to the tool in tropical contexts.
Example Sentences
He used a machete to cut the tall grass.
basic
A farmer carries a machete on his belt.
basic
The machete is very sharp.
basic
She grabbed her machete to clear a path through the jungle.
natural
You have to be careful with a machete—it can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use it.
natural
In some countries, a machete is as common as a hammer or a broom.
natural