Sharpener: meaning, definitions and examples

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sharpener

 

[ ˈʃɑːpənər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

stationery

A device used for sharpening pencils, typically consisting of a narrow, cylindrical blade enclosed in a cylindrical or rectangular case that can be rotated manually or electrically.

Synonyms

pencil sharpener, pencil sharpener machine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sharpener

This is a general term used for tools that sharpen various objects. In everyday use, it can refer to devices for sharpening pencils, knives, or other tools with blades. It's best used when the specific nature of the tool being sharpened isn’t important or can be implied from the context.

  • Can you pass me the sharpener? My pencil is blunt.
  • The knife sharpener really improved the edges on my kitchen knives.
pencil sharpener

This term specifically refers to a tool designed to sharpen pencils. It's ideal for academic, artistic, or office settings where the purpose is to make a pencil’s tip sharper.

  • I need a new pencil sharpener; mine broke this morning.
  • The classroom is equipped with a high-quality pencil sharpener for students.
pencil sharpener machine

This implies a larger, often electric or mechanical device dedicated to sharpening pencils. It is typically used in more professional or industrial settings, such as offices, schools, or art studios.

  • The office installed a new pencil sharpener machine in the supply room.
  • The art studio invested in an automatic pencil sharpener machine for all the artists.

Examples of usage

  • The sharpener in my pencil case is broken.
  • She used an electric sharpener to sharpen her colored pencils.
  • I need to buy a new sharpener for my drawing pencils.
Context #2 | Noun

kitchen

A tool used for sharpening knives or other cutting tools, typically consisting of a rotating stone or abrasive surface.

Synonyms

blade sharpener, knife sharpener.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sharpener

Commonly used to describe a tool used for sharpening pencils.

  • I need a new sharpener for my pencils.
  • The classroom has a wall-mounted pencil sharpener.
knife sharpener

Specifically used for tools designed to sharpen kitchen knives or any types of knives.

  • A professional chef always keeps a knife sharpener handy.
  • I bought a new knife sharpener to keep my kitchen knives in good condition.
blade sharpener

Refers to a device or tool used to sharpen various types of blades excluding knives, such as scissors or gardening tools.

  • The gardener used a blade sharpener to maintain his tools.
  • A good blade sharpener can extend the life of your scissors.

Examples of usage

  • My grandmother uses a traditional sharpener to sharpen her kitchen knives.
  • The chef always keeps his sharpener handy to maintain the sharpness of his knives.

Translations

Translations of the word "sharpener" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apontador

🇮🇳 पेंसिल शार्पनर

🇩🇪 Anspitzer

🇮🇩 peruncing pensil

🇺🇦 гострило

🇵🇱 temperówka

🇯🇵 鉛筆削り

🇫🇷 taille-crayon

🇪🇸 sacapuntas

🇹🇷 kalemtıraş

🇰🇷 연필 깎이

🇸🇦 مبراة

🇨🇿 ořezávátko

🇸🇰 strúhadlo

🇨🇳 削笔器

🇸🇮 šilček

🇮🇸 yfirleggjari

🇰🇿 қарандаш ұштағыш

🇬🇪 საკრეჭი

🇦🇿 qələm yonan

🇲🇽 sacapuntas

Etymology

The word 'sharpener' originated from the verb 'sharpen' which dates back to the Old English word 'scearpian', meaning 'to make sharp'. Over time, the suffix '-er' was added to create the noun 'sharpener', referring to a tool or device used to make something sharp. The concept of sharpening tools has been essential throughout human history, evolving from simple sharpening stones to modern electric sharpeners.

See also: sharp, sharpen, sharper, sharpie, sharply, sharpness, sharpshooter.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,631 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.