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

The lyrics are mostly nonsensical club chatter, but when Scott delivers them with Kesha-worthy sleaze, the attitude is stiletto-sharp. —Lydia Wei, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026

White terrazzo marble floors with cracks that are certainly well earned by the likes of dancing stilettos, dropped Champagne bottles, and jade macaws thrown in rage. —Jason Sheeler, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026

The brand’s Clara listings widely cite a 4cm heel height for the style, keeping the profile formal without pushing into stiletto scale. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026

The Fifty Shades of Grey alum added on a white leather handbag by the same brand, topping off her look with knee-high stiletto boots by Aquazzura. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026

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