knife-edge

noun

ˈnīf-ˌej 

1

: a sharp wedge of steel or other hard material used as a fulcrum for a lever beam in a precision instrument

2

: a sharp narrow knifelike edge

Examples of knife-edge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Forbidden Peak, North Cascades National Park, WA — West Ridge One of the 50 Classic Climbs of North America, this is rock climbing on a knife-edge ridge in a wild and breathtaking alpine setting. —Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025

There are many more in districts that Donald Trump won by a knife-edge margin. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

Local politics are also on a knife-edge due to the rise of the AfD party, ahead of general elections on February 23, which has led to street protests in Berlin in recent weeks. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

This eye-catching piece features two knife-edge Vs with matching 3-prong settings that elegantly secure Round Brilliant VRAI created diamonds. —Angela Lei, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

This four-piece set of 16-inch by 16-inch knife-edge outdoor throw pillows is perfect for accessorizing outside living areas. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Dec. 2024

Speaking to a regional health board last month, Regina Coeli's governor, Claudia Clementi, said overcrowding meant the dilapidated facility was operating on a knife-edge. —Rebecca Messina, theweek, 9 Dec. 2024

With the race widely believed to be on a knife-edge, some pundits suggested the gaffe could be fatal to the Trump campaign, in part because there is a significant Puerto Rican community in the key state of Pennsylvania. —Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

The Republican candidate and Democrat rival Kamala Harris will soon know how the votes will finally land after months of knife-edge campaigning. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for knife-edge

• allege
• straightedge
• dredge
• edge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge

Kids Definition

knife-edge

noun

ˈnī-ˌfej

: a sharp wedge usually of steel used as a support for a lever beam in a very exact instrument (as a balance)