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.
Trade War Overview Tariff threats and trade policies are being weaponized to advance U.S. geopolitical conflict deterrence and economic statecraft, acting as the sword and shield of economic security to support U.S. self-sufficiency and undercut Chinese economic power. Jason Schenker, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Some weapons, like warhammers, can only do blunt damage, while something like a sword or spear can switch between slicing and stabbing at the push of a button. William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 According to police records, the famed Renaissance painter Caravaggio once attacked a waiter with a casserole and tried to stab him with a sword for not disclosing which of his artichokes were cooked in olive oil and which in butter. Tamar Adler, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025 Family keepsakes include a jeweled sword from Saudi Arabia, dresses worn by Michelle Obama at inaugural ceremonies and a baseball signed by the 2010 San Francisco Giants. Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sword. Accessed 12 Mar. 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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