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 next morning, however, Orry discovers Tula has poisoned his entire family — save for his brother — and has a dagger left over for him. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, two other rushers were able to find the end zone, with Lamar Jackson getting in for the Ravens’ first score of the game and Justice Hill putting the dagger in the victory with a 51-yard score in the fourth quarter. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 26 Nov. 2024 The dagger came on second-and-8 when Darnold ripped a 29-yard pass to tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was behind safety Jonathan Owens and in front of Byard. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 24 Nov. 2024 Several other artifacts were discovered at the site, including pieces of broken swords and daggers, plus household items like fishhooks, clothing fasteners, pieces of copper vessels and more, per the research. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024 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 23 Dec. 2024.

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!