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 Viking warriors attached great importance to their swords, which were sometimes named and passed down through the generations. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024 Probably the most famous wizard in all of popular culture — yes, even eclipsing Harry Potter — Merlin's greatest feat was helping Arthur Pendragon find a very nice sword (Excalibur) and an even nicer cup (the Holy Grail). Marc Bernardin, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2024 When that fails, Sephiroth appears from the sky, comically large sword in hand, to shish-kebab everyone’s favorite flower girl. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2024 The brush, so named because its handle resembled that of a sword (which users pulled from a base), found its way into museum design collections before its manufacturer, Heller, discontinued it in 2006. The New York Times, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024 And as with the Enola Holmes movies, Brown is the best part of this feminist spin on what’s usually a boys’ adventure narrative involving slashing swords and slaying beasts. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Mitchell, according to the lawsuit, told the students the swords were props. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Feb. 2024 Herzog told the gathering of diplomatic and security leaders that the book, which includes an illustration of swords and daggers entering a Star of David, was the work of Mahmoud al-Zahar, a cofounder of Hamas. NBC News, 18 Feb. 2024 The girl has had to undergo operations, physical therapy and mental health counseling stemming from the classroom sword fight, the suit says. Cristian Santana, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sword.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 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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