Definition

A facility where eggs, particularly from fish or birds, are incubated and hatched into young animals.

Example

The hatchery produces thousands of fish each year for local rivers.

Conversation

Have you ever visited a hatchery before?

No, I haven't, but it sounds interesting!

It's really cool to see all the baby chicks hatching.

I bet it is! I would love to see that happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hatchery → It is formed from "hatch" (from Old English *hæccan*, meaning to cause to come out of an egg) and the suffix "-ery" (meaning a place for). A hatchery is a place where eggs are hatched, particularly in the context of fish or poultry.

Memory Tip

Think of a place where eggs are 'caused to come out' ('hatch') — that's what a hatchery is, a place for hatching.

Visually Confused Words