Hatch: meaning, definitions and examples

A small door or covering on a vessel, aircraft, or building, often used for accessing a confined space or compartment.

• The pilot quickly exited through the emergency hatch.
• He climbed down the hatch into the boat's cabin.

A general term for a gap or a space that allows entry or passage. Can be used in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical.

• He peered through the small opening in the wall.
• The job opening attracted many candidates.

A way or door by which you can enter a place. Often used for general access points in buildings or events.

• They greeted the guests at the main entrance.
• Make sure to lock the entrance door before you leave.

An impressive or grand entrance, often used in literature or to describe large or elaborate architectural features.

• The ancient portal was adorned with intricate carvings.
• They passed through the portal into another realm.

Used when talking about eggs breaking open and young animals coming out. It can also be used metaphorically for coming up with a plan, often in a sneaky way.

• The chicks began to hatch after 21 days.
• They hatched a plan to surprise their friend.

This word is used to describe coming out of something or somewhere and becoming visible or known.

• The butterfly will emerge from its chrysalis.
• A new trend emerged among teenagers.

Typically used in the context of keeping something at the right temperature so that it develops, often referring to eggs or bacteria.

• The eggs need to be incubated for several weeks.
• Scientists incubated the samples in the lab.

Primarily used when talking about becoming pregnant. It can also mean coming up with an idea or a concept.

• She was overjoyed to learn she had conceived.
• He conceived a brilliant idea for the project.