nutcracker
Americannoun
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nutcrackers
plural
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an instrument or device for cracking the shells of nuts.
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any of several corvine birds of the genus Nucifraga that feed on nuts, as the common nutcracker, N. caryocatactes, of Europe and Clark's nutcracker, N. columbiana, of the western U.S.
noun
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(often plural) a device for cracking the shells of nuts
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either of two birds, Nucifraga caryocatactes of the Old World or N. columbianus ( Clark's nutcracker ) of North America, having speckled plumage and feeding on nuts, seeds, etc: family Corvidae (crows)
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of nutcracker
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Paranthropus has long been labeled the "nutcracker" genus, a nickname inspired by its massive jaws, thick tooth enamel, and oversized molars.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2026
Even the famed nutcracker museum sat largely empty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 21, 2025
To mirror the real world, the Land of Sweets was not spared from an evil nutcracker tyrant.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 25, 2025
Some of the merchandise isn’t new, according to the Advocate, which said that “Target has been selling the Progress Pride nutcracker for several years now.”
From Washington Times ● Nov. 21, 2023
And the teeth on that soldier-shaped nutcracker were terrifying.
From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck
From stolen nutcrackers to deflated snowmen, members of Congress have been known to get competitive.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 7, 2023
Let’s say I’m a Trump-Biden voter with a love of nutcrackers and $250 to spend.
From Slate ● Jun. 10, 2023
Other birds that flock to burned forests include white-headed woodpeckers, Lewis's woodpeckers, three-toed woodpeckers, olivesided flycatchers, Clark's nutcrackers and mountain bluebirds.
From Salon ● Dec. 25, 2022
In the forest, nutcrackers fluttered by, their wings seemingly dipped in ink pots.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 10, 2022
Chickenhound paused to admire a handsome pair of brass nutcrackers.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
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