kukri

[ kook-ree ]

noun

1. a large knife having a heavy curved blade that is sharp on the concave side, used by the Napalese Gurkhas for hunting and combat.

kukri

/ ˈkʊkrɪ /

noun

1. a knife with a curved blade that broadens towards the point, esp as used by Gurkhas

Word History and Origins

Origin of kukri¹

First recorded in 1805–15, kukri is from the Hindi word kukṛī

Word History and Origins

Origin of kukri¹

from Hindi

Example Sentences

Small-banded kukri snakes are known to use their teeth — which resemble curved kukri knives used by Nepalese Gurkha soldiers — to tear into eggs.

From Science News

One Gurkha made his way into a house, and single-handed captured five Germans, whom he marched off at the point of his kukri.

From Project Gutenberg

With his heavy curved kukri he divides the carcass, hacking through the thick bones with powerful blows.

From Project Gutenberg

All the men and some of the women are armed with the kukri, a heavy-bladed weapon or knife of singular shape.

From Project Gutenberg

He drew his kukri and laid it on the ground beside him, ready for the last grim struggle.

From Project Gutenberg

Harker evidently meant to try the matter, for he had ready his great Kukri knife, and made a fierce and sudden cut at him.

From Project Gutenberg