Sharpener: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.