pocket-knife

A boy uses a pocket-knife to carefully cut a piece of rope.

Definition

Noun: A small knife with a blade that folds into the handle, designed to be carried safely in a pocket.

Usage Examples

• (A small folding knife kept in a pocket.)
• (A compact knife used for carving.)
• (A portable knife for outdoor activities.)

Advanced Usage

• "pocket-knife" as a tool: Often associated with practical tasks such as cutting, carving, or opening items.
  • A pocket-knife is essential for hikers who need to cut branches or prepare food. (A versatile tool for outdoor survival.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pocketknife (n): An alternative spelling of "pocket-knife" (hyphen optional).
  • He bought a new pocketknife with multiple blades. (A folding knife for everyday carry.)
• Jackknife (n): A type of large pocket-knife or a folding knife with a single blade; also a diving position or a truck accident.
  • The diver performed a jackknife into the pool. (A folding knife shape or a diving posture.)

Synonyms

• Folding knife: A knife with a blade that folds into the handle.
• Penknife: A small pocket-knife, originally used for sharpening quill pens.
• Swiss Army knife: A multi-tool pocket-knife with various blades and implements.

Related Idioms

• "Pocket knife" (as a metaphor): Sometimes used to describe something small, sharp, or handy.
  • His wit was like a pocket-knife — quick and precise. (A sharp, compact quality.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Knife through: To cut or move through something sharply (not exclusively with a pocket-knife, but related).
  • He pocket-knifed through the tough fabric. (Used as a verb, though rare; typically "cut with a pocket-knife".)

Note: The word "pocket-knife" is a compound noun, and its primary use is as a noun. It does not have verb forms or common phrasal verbs beyond descriptive usage.