stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈle-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
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
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.
Rounding out Kidman's look were a few rings, earrings, and pointed toe black stilettos. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Dec. 2024 This includes everything from over-the-knee, platform boots that feature quilting along the sides and straps up the back of the calf, to one of this year’s trendiest silhouettes: simple stiletto slingbacks. Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024 Crystal Kung Minkoff The reality star and host wore a velvety indigo pantsuit and black pointed-toe stilettos. Ada Tseng, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024 Make a bold statement with the elegant Plaid Tweed Skirt Suit Jacket + Tassel Skirt 2 Pieces Set, perfect for those unafraid to be the best dressed in the room, paired well with black stilettos and a dark smokey eye. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stiletto 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiletto was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near stiletto

Cite this Entry

“Stiletto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiletto. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

stiletto

noun
sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
plural stilettos or stilettoes
: a slender dagger
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!