First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1knife
noun, often attributive \ˈnīf\
: a usually sharp blade attached to a handle that is used for cutting or as a weapon
plural knives \ˈnīvz\
Full Definition of KNIFE
1
a : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle b : a weapon resembling a knife
2
: a sharp cutting blade or tool in a machine
See knife defined for English-language learners
See knife defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of KNIFE
Middle English knif, from Old English cnīf, perhaps from Old Norse knīfr; akin to Middle Low German knīf knife
2knife
verb
: to injure (someone) with a knife
: to move easily and quickly like a knife cutting through something
knifedknif·ing
Full Definition of KNIFE
transitive verb
1
: to use a knife on; specifically : to stab, slash, or wound with a knife
2
: to cut, mark, or spread with a knife
3
: to try to defeat by underhanded means
4
: to move like a knife in <birds knifing the autumn sky>
intransitive verb
: to cut a way with or as if with a knife blade <the cruiser knifed through the heavy seas>
See knife defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KNIFE
1865
KNIFE Defined for Kids
1knife
noun \ˈnīf\
plural knives \ˈnīvz\
Definition of KNIFE for Kids
1
: a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle
2
: a cutting blade in a machine
2knife
verb
knifesknifedknif·ing
Definition of KNIFE for Kids
: to stab, slash, or wound with a knife
Medical Dictionary
knife
noun \ˈnīf\
plural knives \ˈnīvz\
Medical Definition of KNIFE
1
: any of various instruments used in surgery primarily to sever tissues: as a : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade attached to a handle b : an instrument that cuts by means of an electric current
2
: surgery 3—usually used in the phrase under the knife <went under the knife yesterday> <was afraid of the knife>
Learn More About KNIFE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: knife and forkPrevious Word in the Dictionary: knickpointAll Words Near: knife
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up knife? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).