pocketknife

pocketknife — noun

1. a small folding knife whose blade closes into the handle so you can carry it in

1.noun
Definition

a small folding knife whose blade closes into the handle so you can carry it in a pocket.

Example

Grandpa opened his pocketknife to cut an apple by the river.

open a pocketknife to cut something

The guide used a pocketknife to trim the loose rope.

Common collocations
  • carry a pocketknife
  • open a pocketknife
  • close a pocketknife
  • sharp pocketknife
Synonyms
  • penknife

    an older word, often used for a very small folding knife

  • folding knife

    a broader term that can include larger knives too

  • Swiss Army knife

    a specific type that usually has extra tools as well as a blade

Grammar Patterns

a pocketknife

carry a pocketknife

open a pocketknife

Usage Note

Usually refers to a small personal tool with a blade that folds away. It often appears with verbs like carry, open, close, cut, or sharpen.

Common Mistakes

I sliced the meat with a pocketknife in the kitchen drawer.
I sliced the meat with a kitchen knife from the drawer.
a pocketknife is a small folding knife for carrying, not the usual knife for cooking.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Pocketknife is an everyday word for a small folding knife that a person carries for simple tasks. Penknife is older in tone and can suggest a smaller, more traditional tool, especially in British use. Folding knife is the broad label: it describes the design, so it can also refer to larger knives sold for work or outdoor use. Swiss Army knife names one famous type of pocketknife, but it usually suggests extra tools such as scissors or a screwdriver. Say 'Leo keeps a pocketknife in his bag for camp' for an ordinary personal tool, but 'The store sells folding knives' when you mean the wider product group.

penknifefolding knifeSwiss Army knife

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • carry a pocketknife
  • open a pocketknife
  • close a pocketknife

Prepositions

  • in your pocket

Etymology

English

Formed in English from pocket and knife. The name describes a knife small enough to be carried in a pocket.