noun

penknife

Penknife (noun) means a small folding knife that fits easily in a pocket. Example: “He whittled the stick down with his penknife while waiting for the bus.”

noun

A small folding knife that fits easily in a pocket.

"He whittled the stick down with his penknife while waiting for the bus."

How to use penknife

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small pocket knife, historically used for trimming quill pens.

Common pairings

a small penknife whittle with a penknife

Word forms

penknifed past tense, penknives plural, penknifes singular

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He whittled the stick down with his _____ while waiting for the bus.

Etymology

From pen + knife — originally a small knife used to sharpen (cut a "nib" into) quill pens.

Rhymes for penknife

Ife wife life fife rife knife strife midwife midlife lowlife wildlife housewife

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Frequently asked questions

What does “penknife” mean?

The word “penknife” means a small folding knife that fits easily in a pocket. In plain terms, a small pocket knife, historically used for trimming quill pens.

How do you use “penknife” in a sentence?

Here is “penknife” used in a sentence: “He whittled the stick down with his penknife while waiting for the bus.”

What part of speech is “penknife”?

“Penknife” is a noun.

What is the meaning of penknife?

"penknife" (noun) means a small folding knife that fits easily in a pocket.