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claymore

noun

clay·​more ˈklā-ˌmȯr How to pronounce claymore (audio)
: a large 2-edged sword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders
also : their basket-hilted broadsword

Word History

Etymology

Scottish Gaelic claidheamh mór, literally, great sword

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of claymore was in 1527

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Claymore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claymore. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

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