sword

noun

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

Illustration of sword

Illustration of sword
  • 1 pommel
  • 2 hilt
  • 3 guard
  • 4 blade
Phrases
at swords' points
: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

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.
Play short-order cook, throw swords, pilfer donuts from a dragon’s lair, and more in this raucous party game. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 Many samurai remain, but sword-carrying is outlawed, leaving many of them jobless and destitute. Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Nov. 2025 Where Winds Meet will have players become a young sword master who is on a journey to uncover the mysteries of their own identity, facing challenges all while trying to survive the aftermath of the fall of the Tang Dynasty. Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 11 Nov. 2025 What’s more, nobody was expecting BBC News CEO Deborah Turness to also fall on her sword. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2025 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 16 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sword

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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