bayonet

1 of 2

noun

bay·​o·​net ˈbā-ə-nət How to pronounce bayonet (audio)
-ˌnet,
ˌbā-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce bayonet (audio)
: a steel blade attached at the muzzle end of a shoulder arm (such as a rifle) and used in hand-to-hand combat

bayonet

2 of 2

verb

bayoneted also bayonetted; bayoneting also bayonetting

transitive verb

1
: to stab with a bayonet
2
: to compel or drive by or as if by the bayonet

intransitive verb

: to use a bayonet

Examples of bayonet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If these were not available a gun could be spiked with a bayonet which would then be broken off so it could not be pulled out. David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 There are vents in the back for fresh air, pin bayonets and a slide lock to keep doors tightly closed and secure, and all-weather construction to prevent rust and corrosion. Shea Simmons, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024
Verb
There were injuries this time, with some students bayoneted for not retreating. Paula Schleis, cincinnati.com, 2 May 2020 And anyway, always better to be bitten by a stingray than bayoneted. Erik Heinrich, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2018 See all Example Sentences for bayonet 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French baïonnette, from Bayonne, France

First Known Use

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1778, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bayonet was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near bayonet

Cite this Entry

“Bayonet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bayonet. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bayonet

1 of 2 noun
bay·​o·​net ˈbā-ə-nət How to pronounce bayonet (audio) -ˌnet How to pronounce bayonet (audio)
ˌbā-ə-ˈnet
: a weapon like a dagger made to fit on the muzzle end of a rifle

bayonet

2 of 2 verb
bayoneted also bayonetted; bayoneting also bayonetting
: to stab with a bayonet
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!