hatch

Definition

Hatching is the process of a baby animal emerging from its egg. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects all hatch from eggs. The hatching process begins when the baby animal starts to peck or break through the eggshell. Once the eggshell is broken, the baby animal will emerge from the egg.

How can the word be used?

The chicken hatched a dozen chicks.

Different forms of the word

Noun: hatch.

Adjective: hatchable.

Verb: hatch.

Etymology

The Old English word "haccian", which means "to cut or hew". This is the origin of the verb "to hatch", which means to bring forth young from an egg.

Question

When might something hatch?