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chef's knife

American  
[shefs nahyf] / ˈʃɛfs ˌnaɪf /
Also chef knife

noun

  1. a multipurpose kitchen knife with a wide blade usually 8 to 10 inches long and tapering to a point, used for slicing, chopping, etc.


Etymology

Origin of chef's knife

First recorded in 1890–95

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:

Hand-wash a chef’s knife or a nonstick pan, and you can dry it for storage without grabbing a towel.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 2, 2025

With a sharp carving or chef’s knife, create a flap by slicing between the meat and the bones, staying as close to the bones as possible and stopping just before they’re separated from the roast.

From Seattle Times Dec. 25, 2023

The half-acre lot, in the shape of a chef’s knife, was carved out of a large affordable housing project because it was too close to the freeway to qualify for tax-credit financing.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 22, 2023

But know that with one good chef’s knife, plus your paring knife and a serrated knife, you really don’t need anything else.

From Washington Times Jun. 9, 2023

Mom clapped her hands and held up a chef’s knife.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

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