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Phrases
to the hilt
1
: to the very limit : completely
the farm was mortgaged to the hilt
2
: with nothing lacking
played the role to the hilt
Examples of hilt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bowen’s River and Carmelo’s Wynona play their characters’ shortcomings to the hilt.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
Among the ideas that apparently haven’t gained traction was one in which allies would invest massively to arm Ukraine to the hilt to deter a future Russian assault.
—
Samya Kullab and Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Likewise, Ohtani played the market to the hilt leaving the Los Angeles Angels for the Dodgers last year in late December.
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Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Maliki is a divisive brute whom Iran supports to the hilt.
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Dov Friedman, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2014
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German helza hilt
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of hilt was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing hilt
Articles Related to hilt
Dictionary Entries Near hilt
Cite this Entry
“Hilt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilt. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
hilt
noun
: a handle especially of a sword or dagger
More from Merriam-Webster on hilt
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hilt
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