Definition

Noun: A small handheld or stationary device, typically containing a blade or rotating mechanism, used to create or restore a sharp, pointed tip on a pencil by shaving away its wood and graphite core.

Usage

A "pencil sharpener" is a common tool in offices, schools, and art studios. It is used by inserting the blunt end of a pencil into its opening and turning the pencil or the sharpener's mechanism to produce a fine point.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I can't find my pencil sharpener; my pencil is too dull to write with.
  • The teacher keeps an electric pencil sharpener on her desk for the students to use.
  • This manual pencil sharpener has a small container to catch the shavings.

Advanced Usage

• "to be like a pencil sharpener": (Metaphorical) Describing something that refines or sharpens an idea or skill.
  • Her critical feedback acted like a pencil sharpener, honing my argument to a fine point.

Variants and Related Words

• Manual pencil sharpener: A non-electric sharpener, often operated by hand.
• Electric pencil sharpener: A sharpener powered by electricity for faster, easier sharpening.
• Crank sharpener: A manual sharpener operated by turning a small crank handle.

Synonyms

• Pencil pointer (less common).
• Lead sharpener (context-specific, refers to the graphite core).

Related Phrases

• To sharpen a pencil: The action performed using a pencil sharpener.
  • He stopped to sharpen his pencil before continuing the sketch.

Noun

1. a rotary implement for sharpening the point on pencils