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

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

Andruw Monasterio delivered the dagger with a two-run single to break the game open, Sogard extended the lead with an RBI double and Rafaela hit an RBI single to round out the scoring. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

The painting, now owned by MoMA, shows a mélange of people—soldiers, civilians, field workers—and animals, as well as daggers. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 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