What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
machete
Example
The farmer used a machete to cut down the tall grass in the field. [machete: noun]
Example
She expertly wielded her machete to clear a path through the dense jungle. [machete: verb]
billhook
Example
He used a billhook to trim the branches of the apple tree. [billhook: noun]
Example
The gardener deftly handled her billhook to shape the hedge into a neat design. [billhook: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Machete is more commonly used than billhook in everyday language, especially in regions where it has cultural significance. Billhook is a more specialized tool and is less common in general usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between machete and billhook?
Billhook is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is primarily used in gardening and agriculture. Machete, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the cultural context.