shank

noun

ˈshaŋk How to pronounce shank (audio)
Definition of shanknext
slang
as in knife
an instrument with a metal length that has a sharp edge for cutting slashed at the prison guard with a shank he had secretly made from a scrap of metal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of shank The Cook County Sheriff's office said Medina was caught with a shank in jail last week. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 June 2026 Those charges may also be upgraded as authorities say he was caught in jail with a six-inch shank. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 The Phase Evo includes a high-density comfort collar and a TPU shank for midfoot stability. — Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 The shank is a behemoth chunk of meat, marinated in about a pantry’s worth of spices including black cardamon, cinnamon, allspice, marjoram and cocoa powder. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shank
  1. knife
  2. cutter
Noun
  • Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The white cross with red surround has long been a sacred badge in the world of knives, indicating the timeless dependability and versatility of the Swiss Army knife.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • With the movie aficionados apparently learning their lesson after two quarters, Fair Lawn rallied for a 13-12 win – one of the cutters scored two touchdowns and the extra point.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In May and June, about a quarter of the pitches that Eldridge saw were fastballs (four-seam, sinkers, cutters) in the strike zone.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cutter

Browse Nearby Words

Shangri-las
shank
shanks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shank. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shank

Nglish: Translation of shank for Spanish Speakers

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