dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈda-gər 

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

ˈda-gər-ˌlīk 

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

The dagger appears to be 7.5 inches in length when uncovered from under the hairbrush. —Brian Dillon, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Barkley delivered the dagger on the Eagles’ next offensive possession. —Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025

Nylander got the final dagger in overtime to complete the narrative. —Omar White, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Out of the blue, Ian attacks the man and slams a dagger into his heart. —Lincee Ray, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dagger

• cloak-and-dagger
• double dagger

Kids Definition

dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈdag-ər 

1

: a short weapon for stabbing

2

: a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date