nutcracker

noun

nut·​crack·​er ˈnət-ˌkra-kər How to pronounce nutcracker (audio)
: an implement for cracking nuts

Examples of nutcracker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The display features hundreds of lights, festive wreaths, a nativity scene, large nutcrackers and even a nod to their late family members. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025 Also, Australia made teens mad, there's a museum of nutcrackers, and two beloved icons are having birthdays. Holly J. Morris, NPR, 11 Dec. 2025 These assorted nutcrackers all come with a different companion—from a present with a little wooden bow to a wooden gingerbread man. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2025 This nutcracker, though, is the top dog of all nutcrackers. Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nutcracker

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutcracker was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nutcracker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutcracker. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

nutcracker

noun
nut·​crack·​er ˈnət-ˌkrak-ər How to pronounce nutcracker (audio)
: a device for cracking the shells of nuts

More from Merriam-Webster on nutcracker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!