pocketknife

[ pok-it-nahyf ]

noun

, plural pock·et·knives.

1. a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle, suitable for carrying in the pocket.

pocketknife

/ ˈpɒkɪtˌnaɪf /

noun

1. a small knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle; penknife

Word History and Origins

Origin of pocketknife¹

First recorded in 1720–30; pocket + knife

Example Sentences

As he sits on the ground with a skinned-up knee to cut chunks of cheese and salami with his pocketknife, he looks content.

From Popular-Science

The location, design, and quality of that clip should therefore be considered primary factors in choosing a pocketknife.

From Outside Online

I perform a quick one on my most frequently carried pocketknife at least once a week.

From Outside Online

It took heroin addiction a year and nine months to take me from my desk at a literary agency to hold ups with a pocketknife.

From The Daily Beast

He then allegedly grabbed a pocketknife and told her he would “execute your kids” if she called the police.

From The Daily Beast

His pocketknife was a serviceable one and he had plenty of physical strength.

From Project Gutenberg

With his pocketknife Kilmeny cut the string that tied the sack.

From Project Gutenberg

He opened his pocketknife and thrust it between the twelfth and thirteenth stones.

From Project Gutenberg

Feldman operated with a pocketknife sterilized in a bottle of expensive Scotch and only anodyne tablets in place of anesthesia.

From Project Gutenberg

There are a few little gifts,—a pocketknife and a kitchen set of knife, fork, and can-opener for Olson.

From Project Gutenberg