1 utility knife | Definition of utility knife

utility knife

noun

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

Examples of utility knife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Step 5: Allow the veneer tape to cool for a few minutes, trim the edges with a utility knife, and sand the panels and edging. Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Platform Bed Frame," 30 Aug. 2019 Score the excess with a utility knife, then snap off the excess shim material. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "Need To Know: The Life-Changing Power of Shims," 9 Nov. 2018 Banks' frame at six feet and 207 pounds makes him a difficult target to bring down after the catch and allows him to be a utility knife of sorts for any offense. Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle, "North Shore receiver Shadrach Banks verbally commits to Texas A&M," 1 Aug. 2019 This isn't your typical utility knife – this baby is designed especially for foodies. Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "19 Inexpensive Father's Day Gifts Your Dad Will Actually Want," 4 June 2019 The Stanley 99 is a classic example of the less-is-more industrial design that makes utility knives great. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "Stanley Made a Lightweight Plastic Utility Knife. So Is It Any Good?," 14 Nov. 2018 Use a straightedge and utility knife to cut between the points, forming a notch in each pocket. Jeremy Bennett, Popular Mechanics, "How To Make a Leather Wallet," 20 Aug. 2018 Stanley’s new Fat Max plastic utility knives are not pitched specifically as box openers, but that’s their most obvious use. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "Stanley Made a Lightweight Plastic Utility Knife. So Is It Any Good?," 14 Nov. 2018 Some cooks prefer to substitute a 5-inch utility knife (or up to 7 inches, depending upon the size of your hand) that can perform a paring knife’s tasks, but can also be used for slicing fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. Francine Maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "How To Buy Kitchen Knives Like a Pro," 24 Oct. 2018

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.

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First Known Use of utility knife

1946, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for utility knife

utility knife

noun

English Language Learners Definition of utility knife

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