utility knife

noun

: a knife designed for general use
a chef's utility knife
specifically : a cutting tool having a sharp replaceable blade that can be retracted into a usually metal handle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This set includes a bread knife, paring knife, utility knife, vegetable peeler, and ceramic sharpening rod alongside the incredible chef's knife. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2023 If there is caulk, cut through it with a utility knife, taking care not to scratch the tile. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2023 Repair a worn drive belt cover by applying some aluminum foil tape to the inside of the cover then carve off the excess with a sharp utility knife. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 17 Mar. 2023 Easy DIYs include recaulking a bathtub or shower with a utility knife and caulk gun; installing a shower head with a wrench and plumber’s tape; creating an accent wall with pre-pasted wallpaper; and edging garden beds with a shovel, string and mulch. Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2021 Put the tip of the utility knife blade against the hook and pinch the blade there with your thumb. Popular Mechanics, 26 Jan. 2023 The utility knife stands out for having numerous uses. Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023 This video is currently not available Submerged in an icy lake, the Jeep was already filling with water by the time Joe Salmon shattered a window with the handle of a utility knife and peered inside. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utility knife.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of utility knife was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near utility knife

Cite this Entry

“Utility knife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utility%20knife. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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