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
1
A makeshift knife, often improvised from an everyday object.
"Guards found a shiv hidden under the mattress."
verb
1
To stab someone with a shiv or improvised blade.
"He was shivved in a prison yard fight."
How to use shiv
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crude, homemade knife, or to stab someone with one.
Common pairings
makeshift shiv
shivved in the yard
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Word forms
- Plural
- shivs
- Third person singular
- shivs
- Past tense
- shivved
Fill the gap
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Guards found a _____ hidden under the mattress.
Etymology
First recorded around 1915, from Romani chive/chiv, meaning "knife."
Class of 1915
shiv joined the language around 1915.
See the full Class of 1915 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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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