switchblade

American  

[swich-bleyd] / ˈswɪtʃˌbleɪd /

noun

1. a pocketknife, the blade of which is held by a spring and can be released suddenly, as by pressing a button.

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switchblade British  

/ ˈswɪtʃˌbleɪd /

noun

1. a knife with a retractable blade that springs out when a button is pressed

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Etymology

Origin of switchblade

First recorded in 1905–10; switch + blade

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

switchblade

“Lethal Woman” may be a bit unhinged but it’s the sound of a young artist enjoying herself, embracing naughtiness, adding a sprinkle of her beloved Broadway and strutting away with a switchblade on her hip.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 20, 2023

Then Anna hands Marlene her switchblade to give to Ellie, the only inheritance she can pass her child other than her fighting spirit and immunity to a deadly, incurable fungus.

From Salon ● Mar. 13, 2023

Pennsylvania legalized the possession of switchblade knives, which had been prohibited in some situations.

From New York Times ● Jan. 3, 2023

Pusha T’s “It’s Almost Dry” is a 12-song switchblade of a record from one of rap’s most focused craftsmen.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 28, 2022

Then I checked my denim bag, put in a bottle of antiseptic, Kevin’s large bottle of Excedrin, and an old pocket knife to replace the switchblade.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler

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