hilt

noun

ˈhilt 

: 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

Other filmmakers might have seen an opportunity to exploit the film’s true crime bona fides to the hilt by making another figure in the story the protagonist. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2024

Lourd's also got her eyes on the Mark Hamill signed lightsaber hilt. —Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing hilt

• basket hilt
• to the hilt

Kids Definition

hilt

noun

ˈhilt 

: a handle especially of a sword or dagger