What does pocketknife mean?
A pocketknife is a compact folding knife designed to be carried in a pocket, making it useful for everyday tasks such as opening packages, cutting cord, trimming small materials, or preparing food when no larger tool is available. Its blade folds into a handle, so it is compact and relatively easy to carry safely compared with an open blade. The term is common in both British and American English, although a penknife is sometimes distinguished as a smaller or more specialized knife intended for sharpening pencils and repairing pen nibs. Pocketknives are valued for their portability and versatility, and they are common in settings ranging from outdoor activities and travel to household work and emergency preparedness. The word also commonly refers to a small folding knife generally, even when its exact design is not specified.
nounA small knife with a folding blade, usually designed to be carried in a pocket. The term may also refer more generally to a compact folding knife.
- A small knife with a folding blade, designed to be carried in a pocket.
"He kept a pocketknife in his jacket for cutting cord and opening packages."
"She used her pocketknife to cut a length of twine."
"The guide recommended carrying a pocketknife and a small flashlight on the hike."
“Pocketknives” is the standard plural; “pocket knives” is also accepted when the two words are written separately.
"The shop sells pocketknives with wooden handles."
A pocketknife turns a pocket into a tiny toolbox: fold out the blade and a familiar everyday object becomes capable of cutting, slicing, and improvisation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pocketknife come from?
The word is an English compound formed from “pocket” and “knife.” “Pocket” entered English through Old French poché, while “knife” descends from Old Norse knífr; combining them produced a name for a knife small enough to carry in a pocket.
How pocketknife is actually used
The word is common in British and American English. In American usage it may refer broadly to a small folding knife; in British usage the distinction between a pocketknife and a penknife is sometimes made more closely.
Easily confused with pocketknife
A pocketknife is a general small folding knife, whereas a penknife is traditionally a narrow knife intended for sharpening or repairing pens, although the terms are often used interchangeably.