1 a [no obj] of a bird, insect, fish, etc. : to come out of an egg : to be born by coming out of an egg
▪ We watched the chicks hatch.
b [+ obj] : to cause (a young bird, insect, fish, etc.) to come out of an egg — usually used as (be) hatched ▪ newly hatched chicks 2 a [no obj] of an egg : to break open as a young bird, insect, fish, etc., is born
▪ The eggs will soon hatch.
b [+ obj] : to cause (an egg) to hatch
▪ a hen hatching her eggs 3 [+ obj] : to create or produce (something, such as an idea or a plan) usually in a secret way
▪ They hatched a plot to overthrow the government. ▪ hatch (up) a scheme