sword

noun

Synonyms of swordnext
often attributive
1
: a weapon (such as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority
2
a
: an agency or instrument of destruction or combat
b
: the use of force
The pen is mightier than the sword.Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
3
: coercive power
4
: something that resembles a sword
swordlike adjective
see also:

Illustration of sword

Illustration of sword
  • 1 pommel
  • 2 hilt
  • 3 guard
  • 4 blade

Examples of sword in a Sentence

once upon a time dueling with swords was the gentlemanly way to settle a point of honor
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.
Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs. Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 Highlights include K-pop dance crews, Chinese lion dances, and Japanese sword/kendo and samurai demonstrations. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026 Contortionists catwalk across the stage and second-story boxes while dancers pose around golden bird cages and sword-swallowers stretch over leather bars. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2026 According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the helmet and sword began during a team-bonding dinner at Medieval Times in Scottsdale during spring training. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sword

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swert sword

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sword. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

sword

noun
ˈsō(ə)rd How to pronounce sword (audio)
ˈsȯ(ə)rd
1
: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge
2
: the use of force
swordlike adjective

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