noun

sharpener

SHAH-puh-nuh

noun

A tool or device used to make something sharp, such as a pencil sharpener or knife sharpener.

"The pencil snapped inside the sharpener."

"He ran the blade across the knife sharpener a few times."

(informal, British) An alcoholic drink taken before a meal or at the start of the day.

"He stopped at the pub for a quick sharpener before lunch."

How to Use Sharpener

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually a tool for putting a point or edge on something; informally in British English, a quick drink.

Common pairings

pencil sharpener knife sharpener

sharpeners plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The pencil snapped inside the _____.

From sharpen plus the agent suffix -er, "one that sharpens."

wiener opener keener widener Wegener Greener listener gardener softener sweetener freshener Kitchener