English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word jackknife in English

What does jackknife mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

jackknife

US /ˈdʒæk.naɪf/
UK /ˈdʒæk.naɪf/
"jackknife" picture

Noun

1.

a large knife with a blade that folds into the handle

Example:
•
He used his jackknife to cut the rope.
•
The old man always carried a worn jackknife in his pocket.
Synonym:
pocketknife folding knife
2.

a maneuver in which a vehicle, especially an articulated truck, skids and folds in on itself like a jackknife

Example:
•
The truck went into a jackknife on the icy road.
•
The driver managed to avoid a full jackknife, but the trailer still swung wide.
Synonym:
articulated vehicle skid trailer jackknife

Verb

1.

to perform a jackknife maneuver (of a vehicle)

Example:
•
The semi-truck suddenly jackknifed on the wet highway.
•
The driver lost control and the trailer began to jackknife.
Synonym:
skid fold in
2.

to bend or fold like a jackknife, especially in a dive or fall

Example:
•
The diver executed a perfect jackknife from the high board.
•
He fell awkwardly, his body jackknifing as he hit the ground.
Synonym:
fold bend
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