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

Sticks, staff, swords, sabers, whips or scepters including extendable items. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024

The original sense likely referred to something flat and thin, like a leaf, and later extended to the cutting edges of knives, swords, and other tools. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Seymour and her colleagues also found other artifacts at the site, including crossbow bolts, lead bullets, swords, daggers, chain mail and plate armor. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Some warriors were knights clad in armor with oversized swords, hammers and shields. —Desirae Sin, Hartford Courant, 19 Dec. 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