sachet, sashay

The words sachet, sashay sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do sachet, sashay sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: sachet, sashay are homophones of the English language.

sachet
  1. :: noun

    A small packet of perfumed powder used to scent clothes, as in trunks or closets.

sashay
  1. :: verb-intransitive

    To walk or proceed, especially in an easy or casual manner.

  2. :: verb-intransitive

    To strut or flounce in a showy manner: sashaying around the dinner party in his fancy new clothes.

  3. :: verb-intransitive

    To perform the chassé in dancing.

  4. :: verb-intransitive

    To move in a sideways manner.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").