utility knife

American  

[yoo-til-i-tee nahyf] / yuˈtɪl ɪ ti ˌnaɪf /

noun

plural

utility knives

1. any of various knives, often with a retractable, replaceable razorlike blade, used for a variety of cutting, scraping, or scoring work.

   The crafts department sells a fully equipped tool kit, complete with all the sizes of utility knives that you’re looking for.

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Etymology

Origin of utility knife

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Working on a thick sheet of glass, she uses the blade from a utility knife to work the glue into the paper and smooths it out on the surface with her fingertips.

From Barron's

Keep a box with these essential basics: a tape measure, claw hammer, utility knife, level, crescent wrenches, hex keys, a handsaw, pliers, multiple screwdrivers and a collection of screws and nails.

From Seattle Times

A: A utility knife and a razor scraper would probably work better than a screwdriver.

From Washington Post

If there is caulk, cut through it with a utility knife, taking care not to scratch the tile.

From Washington Post

Beyond that, I’ve found that a narrow blade, such as a carving, slicing or utility knife, is ideal because it has less surface area to collect frosting and drag it through the layers.

From Washington Post