hilt

noun

: a handle especially of a sword or dagger
Phrases
to the hilt
1
: to the very limit : completely
the farm was mortgaged to the hilt
2
: with nothing lacking
played the role to the hilt

Examples of hilt 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 evil stepmother and Queen is played to the hilt by Gal Gadot. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025 Want to hang out with George and Amal Clooney on Italy’s Lake Como and be pampered to the hilt, all for a good cause? Nick Vivarelli For Variety, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025 Her investigation brings back one of my favorite characters from last season: the narcissistic chain-smoking widow Rosemary Vines (played to the diva hilt by Jeri Ryan). Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025 In particular, the ring attached to its hilt indicates an interesting origin. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hilt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German helza hilt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hilt was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hilt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilt. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hilt

noun
: a handle especially of a sword or dagger

More from Merriam-Webster on hilt

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