fruit knife

American  

noun

1. a small knife, usually having a distinctive handle and a stainless steel blade with a sharp or serrated edge, used at table for paring and cutting fruit.

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fruit knife British  

noun

1. a small stainless knife for cutting fruit

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Etymology

Origin of fruit knife

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Police also found a fruit knife in his bag.

From Washington Times • Apr. 17, 2023

“Handy to have a good, sharp fruit knife for skinning fiddly bits.”

From New York Times • Aug. 15, 2014

Sir Henry Merri-vale, in sportive mood, solves the stabbing of an English country gentleman who was struck down with his own fruit knife while robbing his own art gallery.

From Time Magazine Archive

She is slicing peaches with a special fruit knife.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart

When fruit is served, the butler places a glass dessert plate on which is an embroidered doily and finger-bowl, before each guest, and next to it a small fruit knife.

From Book of Etiquette, Volume 2 by Watson, Lillian Eichler