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

After Jude Bellingham netted Saturday’s first goal in the 62nd minute — snapping an England scoring drought that had lasted for more than three halves — Bellingham set up Kane’s header, which served as the dagger. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026

Messi delivers the dagger Despite thoroughly controlling most of the match, the result was still in doubt late in the second half as Argentina squandered a few opportunities to increase its lead. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026

Failing to closely examine the word being wielded like a dagger by one’s own white mother is a shame and a disappointment. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026

Like Cynthia notes, clearly the rift between Porsha and Shamea is bigger than the show, but from a viewer’s perspective, only one party continues to throw daggers. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 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