knives

IPA/nˈaɪvz/
KK[nˈaɪvz]IPA/nˈaɪvz/

knives — noun

1. the form of the word knife that is used when talking about more than one of thes

1.nounA1
Definition

the form of the word knife that is used when talking about more than one of these cutting tools or weapons

Example

Yumi packed two sharp kitchen knives before heading to the cooking competition.

irregular plural: knife → knives

The chef told his new staff to keep all their knives clean and dry.

Usage Note

Knives is the standard plural form of knife. The spelling changes from -fe to -ves (not *knifes). This irregular plural follows the same pattern as wolf → wolves, half → halves, and shelf → shelves. UK and US pronunciation are the same: /naɪvz/.

Common Mistakes

Please pass me two knifes.
Please pass me two knives.
The plural of knife follows the -f → -ves pattern, not a regular -s ending.
Idioms

the knives are out (for someone)

idiom

used to describe a situation in which people are being openly hostile or critical toward someone, ready to attack them

After the failed product launch, the knives were out for the marketing director.

like a hot knife through butter

idiom

used to describe something that moves or progresses very easily and quickly through a difficult situation or obstacle

The experienced team cut through the paperwork like a hot knife through butter.

Word family

Common collocations

Nouns

  • kitchen knives; hunting knives; steak knives; carving knives; pocket knives

Phrases

  • knives and forks; knives out; sharpen knives

Prepositions

  • set of knives; drawer of knives; pair of knives

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Knives is the irregular plural of knife, which comes from Old English cnīf. The -f → -ves plural pattern dates back to early English, when certain final consonants were voiced in the plural form. The same pattern appears in wolf → wolves, half → halves, and shelf → shelves. The silent k at the beginning of knife was once pronounced (the cn- cluster) but fell silent over centuries of spoken use.