stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈle-(ˌ)tō 

plural stilettos or stilettoes

1

: a slender dagger with a blade thick in proportion to its breadth

2

: a pointed instrument for piercing holes for eyelets or embroidery

3

: stiletto heel

also : a shoe with a stiletto heel

Examples of stiletto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Off duty, she’s opted for more refined pairs — including white pointed-toe stilettos at Rare Beauty’s Mental Health Summit in May and brown satin pumps by Rodo during a night out with her fiancé, Benny Blanco, last March. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 9 June 2025

In a world of neon, glitter and stiletto boots, Cyrus writhes against walls and struts down sidewalks, notably the Hollywood Walk of Fame. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2025

Khloé added denim stilettos and topped off the outfit with an off-white cowgirl hat. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 June 2025

Choate appears alone, a vision in a blonde wig, sky-high stilettos, satiny blue robe and leotard — azure blue. —Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, diminutive of stilo stylus, dagger, from Latin stilus stylus — more at style

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stiletto

• stiletto heel

Rhymes for stiletto

• hereto
• libretto
• magneto
• palmetto
• whereto
• allegretto
• lazaretto
• ghetto
• seto

Kids Definition

stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō 

plural stilettos or stilettoes

: a slender dagger