Illustration of sword
- 1 pommel
- 2 hilt
- 3 guard
- 4 blade
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
Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton3
: coercive power
4
: something that resembles a sword
see also:
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
Not only did archaeologists find a couple of precious pieces of textiles but also instruments and artifacts that could indicate a workshop, such as needles and a weaving sword, indicating that Beycesultan was a major textile-producing settlement during the Bronze Age.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026
Each plant can be counted on to produce a large number of flower stalks, and the clumps of sword-like foliage add shape and texture to the garden throughout the year.
—Angela England, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026
Long metal rods doubled as swords, oars and crutches — used as both an artistic instrument and a tool to help actors with amputations keep balance.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
Its head crest is shaped like a curved sword called a scimitar, and measures 20 inches long.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sword
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026
Each plant can be counted on to produce a large number of flower stalks, and the clumps of sword-like foliage add shape and texture to the garden throughout the year.
—Angela England, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026
Long metal rods doubled as swords, oars and crutches — used as both an artistic instrument and a tool to help actors with amputations keep balance.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
Its head crest is shaped like a curved sword called a scimitar, and measures 20 inches long.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sword
Cite this Entry
“Sword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sword. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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