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.
Remarkably, researchers also recovered parts of the sword’s scabbard—a sheath of wood and leather lined in beaver fur. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025 Morita tried to take off his master’s head with a sword, but made a botch of it; another disciple had to finish the job. Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 Big movies with big scores often draw on the Western canon, invoking the divine nature of classical music into scenes where a spaceship launches from Earth or anywhere from two to 200 guys fight with swords. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2025 Burrow was sacked seven times in the Bengals’ overtime win over the Broncos on Saturday, so maybe less pretend sword fights this week, guys. 2. Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 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 18 Jan. 2025.

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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