sword

noun

ˈsȯrd 

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

ˈsȯrd-ˌlīk 

adjective

see also:

at swords' points

Illustration of sword

• 1 pommel
• 2 hilt
• 3 guard
• 4 blade

Synonyms of sword

• blade
• steel

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

Messi, though, was overcome with the emotion of having assisted on two lethal goals that put a metaphorical sword right through King Harry’s chest. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

But Hollywood has a long history of embracing the sword-and-sandal epic when the scale is matched by prestige. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 July 2026

Secret Service officials on Tuesday outlined major security modifications to the White House perimeter, including removing swords from statues and replacing temporary fencing with permanent access control measures. — Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

In recent months, archaeologists recovered a cache of early medieval weapons from a lake in west-central Poland, while a fisherman reeled in a 700-year-old sword from the Vistula River. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing sword

• double-edged sword
• fall on one's sword
• put (someone) to the sword
• sword cane
• sword dance
• sword fern
• sword grass
• sword knot
• sword of Damocles
• two-edged sword

Rhymes for sword

• board
• bored
• chord
• cord
• corde
• cored
• fjord
• floored
• gored
• gourd
• hoard
• horde

Kids Definition

sword

noun

ˈsō(ə)rd 

ˈsȯ(ə)rd

1

: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge

2

: the use of force

swordlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective