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

Examples of utility knife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

After Kelly returned home, detectives inspected the signs and found that some had blades used in a utility knife stuck around the edges, court documents said. —

Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 29 Oct. 2024 Around the side of the sign were blades meant to be loaded into a utility knife. —

Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024 With the kit in hand, use a utility knife to make a straight, clean cut to sever the damaged end of the hose. —

Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2024 Charlie Kolar is being developed into an in-line tight end but is still a capable pass catcher, and four-time Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard is the ultimate utility knife. —

Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for utility knife

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of utility knife was in 1946

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Utility knife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utility%20knife. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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