Definitions for jackknife

• Definition
• Anagrams (178)

jackknife jack·knife

Spelling: [jak-nahyf]

IPA: /ˈdʒækˌnaɪf/

Jackknife is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 29 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 33 points.

You can make 178 anagrams from letters in jackknife (acefijkkn).

Definitions for jackknife

noun

1. a large pocketknife.
2. Fancy Diving. a dive in which the diver bends in midair to touch the toes, keeping the legs straight, and then straightens out.

adjective

1. resembling a jackknife, as in its shape, function, or manner of opening and folding.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to jackknife:
2. to cut with a jackknife.

verb (used without object)

1. to bend or double over like a jackknife:
2. (of a trailer truck) to have the cab and trailer swivel at the linkage until they form a V shape, as the result of an abrupt stop or accident.
3. (in diving) to perform a jackknife.
4. to move rapidly at an abrupt angle.

Origin of jackknife

1705-15, Americanism; jack¹ (cf. jockteleg) + knife

Examples for jackknife

The black strips at the end of each nail, Martin pared off with his jackknife.

Robert drew a jackknife from his pocket, and did as he was bidden.

With his jackknife he cleaned the fish as best he could, and then broiled it on a green twig.

Then he pulled out his jackknife and felt its sharp edge with his thumb.

There must be a jackknife in it, or something besides the dollar.

He carried a whetstone, on which he was sharpening his jackknife.

Like a flash he pulled out his jackknife and opened the blade.

We tucked her in, and she spent the night folded up like a jackknife.

He took out his jackknife, and reaching over, severed the traces.

Them are his trousers I've on me and he gave me an oilskin and that jackknife.