switchblade

noun

switch·​blade ˈswich-ˌblād How to pronounce switchblade (audio)
Synonyms of switchbladenext
: a pocketknife having the blade spring-operated so that pressure on a release catch causes it to fly open

called also switchblade knife

Examples of switchblade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Forrest removed the cap of one and found a switchblade. — James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 Jackson said Burgin threatened her with a handgun and also has a rifle and a switchblade, the filing says. — Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 Davis stabbed the father eight times with a switchblade in the stomach, face, neck and arm, and the victim’s wife called 911, prosecutors said. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026 Instead, switchblades are primarily sold to collectors, first responders and the military, the complaint states. — Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switchblade

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchblade was in 1932

Rhymes for switchblade

See All Rhymes for switchblade

Browse Nearby Words

switchback
switchblade
switchboard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Switchblade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchblade. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

switchblade

noun
switch·​blade -ˌblād How to pronounce switchblade (audio)
: a pocketknife with a spring-operated blade

More from Merriam-Webster on switchblade

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for switchblade

Nglish: Translation of switchblade for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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