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

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

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.