sword

noun

often attributive
1
: a weapon (such as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority
2
a
: an agency or instrument of destruction or combat
b
: the use of force
the pen is mightier than the swordE. G. Bulwer-Lytton
3
: coercive power
4
: something that resembles a sword
swordlike adjective

Illustration of sword

Illustration of sword
  • 1 pommel
  • 2 hilt
  • 3 guard
  • 4 blade
Phrases
at swords' points
: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

Examples of sword in a Sentence

once upon a time dueling with swords was the gentlemanly way to settle a point of honor
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.
So far, financial markets’ reaction to the tariff threats has been muted and the sword rattling could prove to be a negotiating ploy. Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 This diamond sword base makes a fantastic gift for Minecraft fans and kids ages eight and up. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 25 Nov. 2024 In the meantime, Israel will rightly refuse to fall on its sword for the sake of a broken set of international legal authorities more interested in power and posturing rather than facts and values. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Officials received spa treatments, top-shelf alcohol, designer handbags, leather goods, designer furniture, watches, fountain pens, ornamental swords and handmade ship models, according to court documents. Elias Lopez, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sword 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swert sword

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sword was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sword

Cite this Entry

“Sword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sword. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sword

noun
ˈsō(ə)rd How to pronounce sword (audio)
ˈsȯ(ə)rd
1
: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge
2
: the use of force
swordlike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sword

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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