nutcracker

[ nuht-krak-er ]

/ ˈnʌtˌkræk ər /

Save This Word!

noun

an instrument or device for cracking the shells of nuts.

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of nutcracker

First recorded in 1540–50; nut + cracker

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nutcracker in a sentence

We are going to convince them that their power to catch us in a nut-cracker is forever at an end.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
Here was goodman Theophilus buried: he was the best nut-cracker that ever dwelt in England.
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 10 (of 15)|Various
She was not really frightened and her nut-cracker face illuminated itself with delighted smiles.
Robin|Frances Hodgson Burnett
That's an army north, and a big lot of troops south, and Fitz John Porter is between like a nut in a nut cracker.
The Long Roll|Mary Johnston

Rollo accordingly bought two Swiss cottages, very small ones, and a nut cracker.
Rollo in Switzerland|Jacob Abbott

British Dictionary definitions for nutcracker

nutcracker

/ (ˈnʌtˌkrækə) /

noun

(often plural) a device for cracking the shells of nuts

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)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012