Hatching
'hætʃɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo come out of an egg, or for a baby animal to be born from an egg.
'hætʃɪŋ
To emerge from an egg.
The first robin eggs are already hatching in my backyard.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny chick pecking its way out of its shell. That's hatching! It's when an animal comes out of an egg, like a baby bird, turtle, or even a snake.
👶 For kids: When a baby animal comes out of its egg.
More Examples
We watched the turtles hatching on the beach at sunrise.
The biologist observed the alligator eggs hatching in the nest.
How It's Used
"The baby birds are hatching from their eggs."
"The farmer is expecting the chickens to start hatching soon."
To create or develop something, especially in secret; to devise.
'hætʃɪŋ
To create or develop something.
The rebels were hatching a plot to overthrow the government.
💡 Simply: Hatching can also mean to come up with a new idea or plan, especially a secret one! Imagine a group of friends whispering and planning a surprise party - they're hatching a plan!
👶 For kids: To come up with a secret idea or plan.
More Examples
They've been hatching a scheme to win the competition.
A group of friends hatched a plan to go on a surprise trip.
How It's Used
"They are hatching a plan to raise money for the school."
"The political parties are hatching a new coalition."
The process of coming out of an egg.
'hætʃɪŋ
The process of eggs opening.
The hatching of the turtles was a spectacular sight.
💡 Simply: The moment when a baby animal emerges from its egg, like when chicks hatch.
👶 For kids: The time when a baby animal comes out of an egg.
More Examples
The hatching of the eggs takes a few weeks, sometimes months.
The farmer has prepared to observe the hatching process.
How It's Used
"The hatching of the butterfly eggs was carefully observed."
"The scientists documented the timing of the hatching in their study."
From Middle English hacchen, from Old English *hæccan (found only in compounds) 'to hatch, produce young', related to Old English *hacc 'a trapdoor'.
The word "hatch" has been used since Old English, originally referring to the act of producing young.
Memory tip
Think of a baby bird cracking its way out of an egg.
Word Origin
"to hatch, produce young"