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

Larroudé by Sergio Hudson, which debuted Sunday, is centered around a pointed-toe stiletto pump — a personal choice for the designer inspired by his mother. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Taking inspiration from the gown’s metallic sheen, Jones’s style team paired the dress with strappy heeled stilettos. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 Sep. 2026

While Grande wasn’t in her highest heels, her followers still were; the audience dressed up in her style with stilettos, cat ears and ponytails — something the star noticed. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

While a knockout voice is one way to capture an audience’s attention, a splash of sequins and a killer stiletto helped stick the landing. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

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