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² hatch

Function:

verb

Inflected forms:

hatches; hatched; hatch·ing

Meaning:

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

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