How to Pronounce "jackknife"
word
JAK-nyfe
jak-NYFE
Definition
A jackknife is a folding knife with a blade that tucks into the handle. It can also mean to bend sharply at the waist, as in diving, or when a vehicle (like a truck and trailer) folds sharply in an accident.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdʒækˌnaɪf
British English
dʒˈæknaɪf
Simplified Pronunciation
US
JAK-nyfe
UK
jak-NYFE
Listen in Context
He always carries a jackknife in his pocket.
The diver did a perfect jackknife off the board.
The truck began to jackknife on the icy road.
My dad showed me how his old jackknife works.