utility knife

noun

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of utility knife

: 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

See utility knife defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of utility knife from the Web

Use a utility knife or handsaw to cut out window-size slabs of drywall.

— Popular Mechanics, "10 Survival Skills You Need To Know," 5 Mar. 2018
Poke two small holes in plastic egg with a utility knife, apply hot glue to the center of both holes and quickly insert the bent end of each leg; let dry.

— woman's day staff, Woman's Day, "4 Fun and Festive Easter Craft Templates," 27 Feb. 2018
Use a utility knife with a fresh blade in it, or use a 1-inch-wide, razor-sharp chisel.

— roy berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "How to Caulk Your Bathtub," 20 Feb. 2018
Score to the depth of a utility knife (if need be, score it from both sides) and snap it on the line.

— roy berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "8 Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes," 23 Jan. 2018
But the minutes are, real and these are just the kind of matchups the Warriors wait for in unleashing their utility knife.

— doug norrie, SI.com, "NBA DFS Picks for January 20," 20 Jan. 2018
With screwdrivers, pliers, a utility knife, a tape measure, a wrench, and a whole slew of sockets, your handy loved one will be able to tackle any project.

— samantha gordon, USA TODAY, "Here are the 4 most exciting deals on Amazon right now," 14 Dec. 2017
Tyler Larsen has become the utility knife along the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line.

— joseph person, charlotteobserver, "With Trai Turner in concussion protocol, ‘utility knife’ might be the answer for Panthers," 14 Dec. 2017
On Wednesday, officers used utility knives and wire cutters to cut the devices, which consisted of plastic pipe, chicken wire, yarn, fabric, steel bolts and chains.

— everton bailey jr., OregonLive.com, "Hoods, headphones on protesters prompt Portland police explanation after questions," 12 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'utility knife.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of utility knife

1946

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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UTILITY KNIFE Defined for English Language Learners

utility knife

noun

Definition of utility knife for English Language Learners

: a knife designed for general use; especially : a cutting tool with a blade that can be pushed completely back into its handle

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utility knife

Definition of utility knife

Recent Examples of utility knife from the Web

First Known Use of utility knife

UTILITY KNIFE Defined for English Language Learners

utility knife

Definition of utility knife for English Language Learners

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utility knife

Definition of utility knife

Recent Examples of utility knife from the Web

First Known Use of utility knife

UTILITY KNIFE Defined for English Language Learners

utility knife

Definition of utility knife for English Language Learners

Seen and Heard

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