# cutler

/ˈkətɫɝ/ (US) · /kˈʌtlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cutler
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. maker of knives

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a person who makes, sharpens, or sells knives and other cutting tools.

For teachers: a professional artisan or tradesperson who manufactures, repairs, or deals in cutlery and bladed instruments.

- The local cutler spent the afternoon sharpening the chef's expensive kitchen knives.
- The city's guild of cutlers was once a powerful political force, regulating the quality of steel used in every blade produced within the walls.

Usage: Usually refers to a traditional craftsman or a historical trade.

Teaching tip: This word is rare in modern daily life; most people simply say 'knife maker' or 'knife sharpener' unless referring to historical guilds.

## Examples

- The cutler sharpened the dull knives.
- She visited the local cutler to buy a set of stainless steel spoons for her new kitchen.
- The medieval cutler's guild held strict standards for the quality of steel used in every blade produced within the city walls.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.