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

Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses. —Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026

His strip sack and forced fumble might’ve been the dagger. —Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026

The dagger came with 31 seconds left. —Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

And who has the new dagger advantage? —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Jan. 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