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 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 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 31 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!