stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈle-(ˌ)tō 

plural stilettos or stilettoes

1

: a slender dagger with a blade thick in proportion to its breadth

2

: a pointed instrument for piercing holes for eyelets or embroidery

3

: stiletto heel

also : a shoe with a stiletto heel

Examples of stiletto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To top off this two-piece of dress pants and blazer with a side pocket embellishment, Hathaway added a white poplin shirt and accessorized with stiletto sandals with gold accents to match her gold evening bag and the Versace emblem. —María Munsuri, Glamour, 4 May 2025

The former fashion model, the first practicing Catholic to serve as first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy, attended the April 26 service in a double breasted coat dress paired with a traditional veil, gloves and black stilettos. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

In addition to its breezy fit, the dress has cinched, quarter-length sleeves and a tiered skirt that hits just above the ankle, perfect for showing off cute platforms or stiletto sandals. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025

The actress wore a series of themed looks, including custom Loewe stilettos spiked with tennis balls. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, diminutive of stilo stylus, dagger, from Latin stilus stylus — more at style

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stiletto

• stiletto heel

Rhymes for stiletto

• hereto
• libretto
• magneto
• palmetto
• whereto
• allegretto
• lazaretto
• ghetto
• seto

Kids Definition

stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō 

plural stilettos or stilettoes

: a slender dagger