nutcracker

noun

nut·​crack·​er ˈnət-ˌkra-kər How to pronounce nutcracker (audio)
: an implement for cracking nuts

Examples of nutcracker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Behind the bar, nutcrackers stood side by side with small Bears helmets. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 Similar to the original movie, in which Clara’s little brother damages a nutcracker, Kelly destroys the arm of a nutcracker while playing with it. — Parents, 14 Sep. 2026 The countless repetitions give you the most beautiful art form where swans glide, fairies dance and every year a giant nutcracker appears. — Chrissie Leong, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Others also started donating and today, Luverne’s 7,554 nutcrackers outnumber its roughly 5,000 residents. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nutcracker

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutcracker was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing nutcracker

Rhymes for nutcracker

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Browse Nearby Words

nut coal
nutcracker
nutfall
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Cite this Entry

“Nutcracker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutcracker. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nutcracker

noun
nut·​crack·​er ˈnət-ˌkrak-ər How to pronounce nutcracker (audio)
: a device for cracking the shells of nuts

More from Merriam-Webster on nutcracker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nutcracker

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