switchblade

noun

switch·​blade ˈswich-ˌblād How to pronounce switchblade (audio)
: a pocketknife having the blade spring-operated so that pressure on a release catch causes it to fly open

called also switchblade knife

Examples of switchblade 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.
Other Nixon advertisements showed images of urban riots, street crime and student protesters alongside pictures of rifles, switchblades and hypodermic needles. Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 One thing leads to another, and as is common with such hedonistic reunions among longtime buddies, somebody ends up with a switchblade in their neck. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2025 At a preliminary hearing held last year, San Diego police Detective Christopher Murray testified that Logan admitted to committing the homicide with a switchblade. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Why did federal agents seize — and then return — $5 million worth of switchblades from a Colorado man? Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switchblade

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchblade was in 1932

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Cite this Entry

“Switchblade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchblade. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

switchblade

noun
switch·​blade -ˌblād How to pronounce switchblade (audio)
: a pocketknife with a spring-operated blade

More from Merriam-Webster on switchblade

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