bayonet
n. countablen. a sharp blade that attaches to the end of a rifle. Soldiers use it for fighting at very close range.
n. a blade adapted to fit the muzzle of a rifle, carbine, or similar firearm, designed for use in hand-to-hand combat.
The soldier fixed his bayonet to the rifle.
During the historical reenactment, the infantry demonstrated how to attach a bayonet before a charge.
While modern warfare relies heavily on long-range ballistics, the bayonet remains a standard part of military equipment for its psychological impact and utility in close-quarters urban environments.
Etymology tree French Bayonne Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Italic *-tosder.? Late Latin -ittus Old French -et Middle French -et French -ette French baïonnetteder. English bayonet From French baïonnette, named after the French town of Bayonne, where the plug bayonet was invented.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used with the verb 'fix' when describing the act of attaching it to a weapon.
Last updated May 8, 2026