English Reference
Noun

nutcracker

n.
B1 Intermediate US /ˈnətˌkɹækɝ/ UK /nˈʌtkɹækɐ/ nut·crack·er UK spelling nutcrackers

n.a tool or machine used to break open the hard shell of a nut. You use it to get the soft inside out without damaging it.

n.a tool or device designed to crack the shell of a nut or similar hard-shelled fruit.


SIMPLE

I used a nutcracker to open the walnuts.

CONTEXTUAL

The kitchen drawer is full of various tools, including a nutcracker for opening pecans before baking.

COMPLEX

While some people prefer to use their bare hands to crack a few nuts, a nutcracker provides a more efficient and less painful way to process large quantities for a recipe.


From nut + cracker.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated