noun

shiv

shihv

Shiv (noun) means a makeshift knife, often improvised from an everyday object. Example: “Guards found a shiv hidden under the mattress.”

noun

A makeshift knife, often improvised from an everyday object.

"Guards found a shiv hidden under the mattress."

verb

To stab someone with a shiv or improvised blade.

"He was shivved in a prison yard fight."

How to use shiv

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA crude, homemade knife, or to stab someone with one.

Common pairings

makeshift shiv shivved in the yard

Word forms

shivved past tense, shivs plural, shivs singular

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Guards found a _____ hidden under the mattress.

Etymology

First recorded around 1915, from Romani chive/chiv, meaning "knife."

· First attested 1915

Class of 1915 shiv joined the language around 1915.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “shiv” mean?

The word “shiv” means a makeshift knife, often improvised from an everyday object. In plain terms, a crude, homemade knife, or to stab someone with one.

How do you pronounce “shiv”?

“Shiv” is pronounced shihv (/ʃɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “shiv” in a sentence?

Here is “shiv” used in a sentence: “Guards found a shiv hidden under the mattress.”

What part of speech is “shiv”?

Depending on how it is used, “shiv” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “shiv” come from?

The word “shiv” dates back to around 1915. First recorded around 1915, from Romani chive/chiv, meaning "knife.".

How many meanings does “shiv” have?

“Shiv” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a makeshift knife, often improvised from an everyday object.

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Vocabulary lists that include shiv:

Words that end with V