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

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

Stacks of jeweled rings, chunky cuff bracelets big enough to hide a thin dagger inside, and gold hoop earrings worn always like a uniform. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024

In a melee of swords, daggers and pistols, Maynard’s men, most of them injured, overwhelmed Blackbeard, leaving him shot five times and cut 20. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024

Smith added a dagger 3-pointer with 4:28 remaining, increasing the St. John’s lead to 75-63. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Nov. 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