sword

noun

ˈsȯrd 

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 sword

—E. G. Bulwer-Lytton

3

: coercive power

4

: something that resembles a sword

swordlike

ˈsȯrd-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of sword

• 1 pommel
• 2 hilt
• 3 guard
• 4 blade

Phrases

at swords' points

: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

Synonyms

• blade
• brand
• steel

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

Each sword was positioned through piano wire and had its eventual trajectory diligently mapped out. —Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

The five-time Olympian also used a sword to cut a cake, designed to look like a Panda Express takeout box. —Andrea Lavinthal, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Here’s hoping that the next time Zelda ventures out into the wild world of Hyrule, someone remembers to give her a sword. —Ollie Barder, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Turns out, Agatha was pushing her down to save her from being impaled by a sword. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing sword

• double-edged sword
• fall on one's sword
• put (someone) to the sword
• sword cane
• sword dance
• sword fern
• sword grass
• sword knot
• sword of Damocles
• two-edged sword

Kids Definition

sword

noun

ˈsō(ə)rd 

ˈsȯ(ə)rd

1

: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge

2

: the use of force

swordlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective