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 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

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