backhatch
|back-hatch|
/ˈbæk.hætʃ/
rear hinged door
Etymology
'backhatch' originates from modern English compounding of the words 'back' and 'hatch', where 'back' means 'the rear' and 'hatch' means 'a hinged door or gate'.
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'rear' or 'back'; 'hatch' derives from Old English 'hæcc' meaning 'a gate or hatch'. Over time the two words have been compounded in modern English to form 'back hatch' and sometimes written as the single word 'backhatch'.
Initially the elements 'back' and 'hatch' were separate words referring to 'rear' and 'gate/door'; over time they were combined to refer specifically to a rear hinged door or cover, leading to the modern compound meaning 'rear hinged door'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a hinged door or cover at the rear of a vehicle, container, or compartment (often used interchangeably with 'rear hatch' or 'boot lid').
She opened the backhatch to load the suitcases into the car.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 08:48