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 cross swords fall on one's sword

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

McVay, per usual, threw himself on the sword and took the blame. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The summit had the feel of a diplomatic event — complete with sword-bearing members of the Republican Guard lining up along a narrow red carpet to announce Macron’s arrival and a large delegation that accompanied South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

After graduating, Papadopoulos took classes at Hunter College, bonding with classmates over sword and sorcery movies. — Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

According to court records, during the confrontation, Manson arrived at Hinman's home and slashed Hinman's face with a sword, cutting him from his left ear toward his chin. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 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