pocketknife
UK[ˈpɒkɪtnaɪf]US[ˈpɑːkɪtnaɪf]
n
a small knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle, designed to be carried in a pocket.
Morpheme Breakdown
pocket
knife
pocket
knife
knife
Etymology
the word 'pocketknife' is a transparent english compound, formed by combining two old and concrete nouns. 'pocket', derived from the old north french 'poque' (a small bag), entered english to denote a small pouch sewn into clothing. 'knife' is a foundational germanic word, from old english 'cnīf', with cognates across germanic languages. the compound logically describes the tool's primary defining feature: a knife designed for convenient portability within a pocket, distinguishing it from fixed-blade knives. its formation follows the typical english pattern of creating precise, descriptive terms for everyday objects.
Analysis
Structure: pocket (pocket) + knife (knife)
pocket (from middle english 'poket', meaning a small bag or pouch, of old north french origin) + knife (from old english 'cnīf', meaning a cutting instrument with a blade).
Examples
he used his pocketknife to carefully cut the string on the package.
a good pocketknife is an essential tool for many outdoor activities like camping.
she fumbled in her bag, searching for the small pocketknife she always carried.