dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈda-gər 

1

: a sharp pointed knife for stabbing

2

a

: something that resembles a dagger

b

: a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date

daggerlike

ˈda-gər-ˌlīk 

adjective

see also:

at daggers drawn look daggers

Examples of dagger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Brunson’s off-balance jumper from the elbow with 37 seconds remaining — which followed a pump fake and some creative footwork against the Spurs’ Devin Vassell — served as the dagger. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 June 2026

However, Smith delivered a 10-foot dagger putt that secured a birdie and the championship. —Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026

But the award has to go to Matheus Cunha’s long-range dagger — a dramatic late winner curled past Gabriel’s desperate lunge and David Raya’s despairing dive into the bottom corner — to set the away crowd into rapturous applause. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 26 May 2026

The Blue Jays have plenty to reflect on after the opening loss, not to mention a season that has not met expectations, but perhaps the sharpest dagger of the game came courtesy of Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. —Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dagger

• cloak-and-dagger
• double dagger

Rhymes for dagger

• agger
• bagger
• stagger
• swagger

Kids Definition

dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈdag-ər 

1

: a short weapon for stabbing

2

: a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date