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noun

bayonet

BAY-uh-niht

Bayonet (noun) means a blade attached to the muzzle end of a rifle, used for close combat. Example: “Soldiers fixed bayonets before the final charge.”

noun
1
A blade attached to the muzzle end of a rifle, used for close combat.
"Soldiers fixed bayonets before the final charge."
verb
1
To stab someone with a bayonet.
"The order was given to bayonet any remaining resistance."

How to use bayonet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA knife-like blade fixed to the end of a gun for hand-to-hand fighting.

Common pairings
fix bayonets bayonet charge

Word forms

bayoneted past tense, bayonetted past tense, bayonets plural, bayonets singular

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Test yourself on “bayonet” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Soldiers fixed _____ before the final charge.

Etymology

From French "baïonnette," named after Bayonne, the French town where the weapon is said to have first been made.

Origin: French

Rhymes for bayonet

See all rhymes for bayonet →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bayonet” mean?

The word “bayonet” means a blade attached to the muzzle end of a rifle, used for close combat. In plain terms, a knife-like blade fixed to the end of a gun for hand-to-hand fighting.

How do you pronounce “bayonet”?

“Bayonet” is pronounced BAY-uh-niht (/ˌbeɪəˈnɛt/ in IPA).

How do you use “bayonet” in a sentence?

Here is “bayonet” used in a sentence: “Soldiers fixed bayonets before the final charge.”

What part of speech is “bayonet”?

Depending on how it is used, “bayonet” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “bayonet” come from?

The word “bayonet” comes from French. From French "baïonnette," named after Bayonne, the French town where the weapon is said to have first been made.

How many meanings does “bayonet” have?

“Bayonet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a blade attached to the muzzle end of a rifle, used for close combat.

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