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

Along with messer and dagger combat, El told me they’ve also felt empowered by studying HEMA grappling styles for self-defense. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 1 May 2025

There is also truth behind Blues coach Jim Montgomery’s series of verbal daggers after Game 4. —Murat Ates, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Upon its arrival at your table, a server will present for inspection an ornate silver dagger, pull it with a flourish from its curved sheath, and proceed to saw off the head of the Mother at approximately her Tropic of Cancer. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025

Misdemeanor carry concealed dirk or dagger, 3000 block Ocean Front Walk, 1:18 p.m. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 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

Rhymes for dagger

• agger
• bagger
• stagger
• swagger

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