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

Derrick White, who endured his third straight brutal shooting game (3-for-12; 1-for-8 from three), set up Tatum’s dagger with one of his two fourth-quarter offensive rebounds. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026

Dansby Swanson provided the dagger in the ninth. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

Tatum, still looking to regain his top form after not playing for nearly a year, may just be there and hit the final 3-point dagger for the 106-100 lead that even sent Allen Iverson toward the exit. —CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

The dagger appeared to be a fast-break dunk by Alperen Sengun to give the Rockets a 101-95 lead. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 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