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

His 29-yard gain on a rollout from Craig helped TCU deliver the dagger and also showed why the coaching staff is so high on the Mansfield High alum. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

The dagger fourth goal was an own-goal by Zorhan Bassong, who accidentally headed the ball into his own net. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026

A couple of daggers to the heart doomed both the Ravens and the Bills last winter. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

This was discontinued when SOE chiefs realized that a dagger would be the first thing taken from a prisoner. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 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