corkscrew
n. countablen. a tool with a spiral metal piece that you twist into a wine bottle to pull out the cork. It is also a common name for the spiral part of a screw.
n. a device consisting of a helical metal blade attached to a handle, used for removing corks from bottles. In a broader mechanical context, it refers to the helical thread of a screw or similar fastener.
He used a corkscrew to open the bottle of red wine.
The waiter reached into his pocket and pulled out a small corkscrew to serve the guests.
While the traditional corkscrew remains a staple in wine bars, many modern households now prefer electric versions that provide a more effortless extraction of the cork.
From cork + screw.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 30, 2026