nutcracker

[ nuht-krak-er ]

noun

1. an instrument or device for cracking the shells of nuts. nut.
2. any of several corvine birds of the genus Nucifraga that feed on nuts, nut, as the common nutcracker, N. caryocatactes, of Europe and Clark's nutcracker, N. columbiana, of the western U.S.

nutcracker

/ ˈnʌtˌkrækə /

noun

1. often plural a device for cracking the shells of nuts
2. either of two birds, Nucifraga caryocatactes of the Old World or N. columbianus ( Clark's nutcracker ) of North America, having speckled plumage and feeding on nuts, seeds, etc: family Corvidae (crows)

Word History and Origins

Origin of nutcracker¹

First recorded in 1540–50; nut + cracker

Example Sentences

Recently, the company heralded its first two Black dancers to dance Dewdrop, the second most important female “Nutcracker” role: India Bradley and guest artist Alexandra Hutchinson of the Dance Theater of Harlem.

From Seattle Times

It seemed the entire chorus of The Nutcracker would hum a selection of Viennese waltzes and quadrilles and gallops.

From Literature

But Lord Sandown merely took up the soldier-shaped nutcracker and brought it down squarely between the ragged ears.

From Literature

“A drum with sticks. A coach and four. An India rubber ball, and a nutcracker. Nothing remotely edible.”

From Literature

We ’ave the entire chorus of The Nutcracker returning to the London stage.

From Literature