bayonet
|bay-o-net|
/ˈbeɪnət/
knife fixed to a gun / quick-release fitting
Etymology
'bayonet' originates from French, specifically the word 'bayonnette', which is derived from the town name 'Bayonne' in southwestern France; the French diminutive suffix '-ette' was added to form the word.
'bayonet' entered English from Middle French/early modern French 'bayonnette' (late 16th century). The term ultimately comes from the place name 'Bayonne' (French), where knives of this type were associated and produced, and it was adopted into English with the form 'bayonet'.
Initially it referred to a small dagger or knife associated with Bayonne; over time it came to mean specifically a blade fixed to the muzzle of a firearm and later also any bayonet-type fitting or connector.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a blade (often knife-like) that can be fixed to the muzzle of a rifle and used in close combat.
He fixed a bayonet to his rifle before going on guard duty.
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Noun 2
a small dagger or knife used as a weapon (detached from a firearm).
He carried a bayonet as a backup weapon.
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Noun 3
a bayonet-type fitting or mount used for quick fastening (for example, a bayonet cap on a lightbulb or a bayonet connector).
The lamp uses a bayonet fitting rather than a screw cap.
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Verb 1
to fix a bayonet to (a rifle) or to equip with a bayonet.
The soldiers bayonet their rifles before the charge.
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Verb 2
to stab or wound (someone) with a bayonet.
Soldiers bayonet the fleeing enemy during the close fight.
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Last updated: 2026/01/02 04:37