knife-edge

noun

ˈnīf-ˌej 

1

: a sharp wedge of steel or other hard material used as a fulcrum for a lever beam in a precision instrument

2

: a sharp narrow knifelike edge

Examples of knife-edge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vintage variation shifts my preferences, but the combination of knife-edge acidity, tropical fruit, and herbal complexity makes these worthy additions to the cellar. —Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

But the battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris remains on a knife-edge and the pressure will only increase from here. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

But a surge in support for far-right and anti-establishment candidates left the runoff on a knife-edge. —Reuters, NBC news, 19 May 2025

Brimming with boundless enthusiasm, White hit hard and fast, channeling a riveting blend of strident rawness and knife-edge menace that echoed a host of the rough-and-tumble blues predecessors who inspired him. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

Erdogan extended his rule into a third decade after winning a knife-edge presidential election in 2023, securing a second term. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for knife-edge

• allege
• straightedge
• dredge
• edge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge

Kids Definition

knife-edge

noun

ˈnī-ˌfej

: a sharp wedge usually of steel used as a support for a lever beam in a very exact instrument (as a balance)