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

Combs allegedly required the women to rock party dresses, couldn’t wear jeans or sneakers, and had to don high stilettos. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Forget ball gowns: Vodianova appeared in the ad campaign wearing skintight black PVC leggings, pointed stilettos, and a casual cardigan to echo the necklace’s neo-’80s vibe. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024

Bessette-Kennedy wore hers with elbow-length gloves and pointed stilettos to elevate the simple design, yet kept her hair relaxed in a loose chignon. —Naomi Pike, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2024

But these aren’t just the light at the end of a stiletto tunnel. —Liz Doupnik, Travel + Leisure, 9 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō 

plural stilettos or stilettoes

: a slender dagger