dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈda-gər How to pronounce dagger (audio)
1
: a sharp pointed knife for stabbing
2
a
: something that resembles a dagger
b
: a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date
daggerlike adjective
Phrases
at daggers drawn
: in a state of open hostility or conflict
look daggers or stare daggers
: to stare angrily
they looked daggers at each other across the table

Examples of dagger in a Sentence

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.
The sentiment felt like a dagger, striking with unbearable pain. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 Rohan Nadkarni That feels like a possible first-half dagger. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025 The pieces were indicative of the people living in the area at the time, with the elements carefully carved into scrapers, axes and dagger blades, according to the release. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 Jake Middleton’s injury has been a dagger to the back end and the Wild’s overall transition and defensive game, but the good news is Eriksson Ek is closing in on a return soon after the break. Michael Russo, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dagger 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dagger was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dagger

Cite this Entry

“Dagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dagger. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

dagger

noun
dag·​ger ˈdag-ər How to pronounce dagger (audio)
1
: a short weapon for stabbing
2
: a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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