pocketknife

American  

[pok-it-nahyf] / ˈpɒk ɪtˌnaɪf /

noun

plural

pocketknives

1. a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle, suitable for carrying in the pocket.

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pocketknife British  

/ ˈpɒkɪtˌnaɪf /

noun

1. a small knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle; penknife

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Etymology

Origin of pocketknife

First recorded in 1720–30; pocket + knife

Explanation

A pocketknife is a folding knife that's small enough to fit in your pocket. Some fancy pocketknives have many blades and little tools that can fold back into the handle. You can also call a pocketknife a jackknife, or in Britain, a penknife. Pocketknives' blades fold into their handles, so you can safely carry the knife in your pocket or bag. Multi-tool pocketknives, in addition to sharp blades, often have tiny screwdrivers, files, bottle openers, and other tools. Pocketknives are used for whittling, hunting, cutting twine, slicing fruit, and many other tasks.

Example Sentences

Using the Florida law as an example, perhaps the suspect happens to be carrying a pocketknife.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2024

Police searched Pearson, discovered a pocketknife and took her into custody.

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2024

Ward searched through his pockets, pulling out two lighters, and told McWhorter he might have a pocketknife.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2023

Diatomite is really strange stuff—you can cut it with a pocketknife or a spade or a chainsaw.

From Scientific American • Sep. 13, 2022

Nico ran, pausing just long enough to grab Reyna’s silver pocketknife from the ground.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan