What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trapdoor
Example
The thief entered the house through the trapdoor in the attic. [trapdoor: noun]
Example
She lifted the trapdoor to reveal a hidden room beneath the floor. [trapdoor: verb]
hatch
Example
The sailors emerged from the hatch onto the deck of the ship. [hatch: noun]
Example
He hatched a plan to sneak into the building through the roof. [hatched: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hatch is more commonly used than trapdoor in everyday language. Hatch has a wider range of applications and can refer to various types of doors or openings, while trapdoor is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trapdoor and hatch?
Both trapdoor and hatch are formal words and are typically used in technical or specialized contexts, such as in construction, engineering, or naval terminology.