jambiya

[ jam-bee-yuh ]

noun

1. an Arabian knife having a curved, double-edged blade, usually with a central rib.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jambiya¹

From the Arabic word janbīyah

Example Sentences

Taking his jambiya, a Yemeni ceremonial dagger, from his belt, he cut away a plastic sheet to reveal the twisted skeleton of the bus, which now rests next to the children.

From The Guardian

He was dressed in what passes for a uniform in northern Yemen’s volunteer army: tattered blazer, cloth skirt, a tan ammunition belt around the back of the waist and a jambiya, or ceremonial dagger, hanging in front.

From New York Times

He took a length of tubing from his trunk, cut off the end with his jambiya and then, after sticking one end in the jug, sucked on the other end to bring the gas out.

From New York Times

I was struck instantly by his appearance: he wore no belt or jambiya, the traditional dagger Yemeni tribesmen always carry on their belts.

From New York Times

He was in full tribal regalia — a gray suit jacket over a light green tunic, a large jambiya sticking out from his belt, and an AK-47 over his shoulder, which he never removed.

From New York Times