paring knife

American  

[pair-ing nahyf] / ˈpɛər ɪŋ ˌnaɪf /

noun

paring knives plural

1. a short-bladed kitchen knife for paring fruits and vegetables.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• paring knives
  plural

Etymology

Origin of paring knife

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

In this class, he covers the basics of forging a simple utility paring knife, including heating the grip, grinding and finishing the blade.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

Use a paring knife to peel fruits and vegetables, say, or devein shrimp.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

Using a sharp paring knife, score the ham by making crosshatch cuts all over the surface about 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, creating a square or diamond pattern.

From Washington Post • Apr. 3, 2023

Let the cake rest for about five minutes after removing it from the oven, then run a small paring knife around the edges.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2023

Mrs. Bedlow sat down and picked up her paring knife.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson