1. plural of hatch; openings in a floor, ceiling, or deck that can be closed by a movable cover
2. plural of hatch; young birds, fish, or reptiles that have recently emerged from eggs

1. third person singular present of hatch; (of a young bird, fish, or reptile) emerges from an egg
2. third person singular present of hatch; devises or creates a plan, especially secretly

Examples

• The ship’s crew opened the cargo hatches to unload supplies.
• Several escape hatches were installed throughout the building.
• The turtle hatches buried themselves in the sand after emerging.
• She carefully counted the new duck hatches by the pond.
• The chick hatches from its egg after 21 days of incubation.
• He hatches elaborate plans but rarely follows through.
• The spy hatches a scheme to infiltrate the enemy base.