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 $850 style is cut higher on the foot than a low-vamp pump, with a dramatic point, slim 100mm stiletto and small JC emblem at the back. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

Strappy pairs with metallic details (like Amanu’s gold-hardware shoe) feel just as formal as the highest of stilettos, all while keeping you safely grounded in the sand. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 29 June 2026

Brown accessorized with stiletto sandals, tiny gold hoops, and a patterned headscarf, wearing her brunette waves loose. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Events like Ball Without Billionaires seem to usher in a new chapter in activism – one in which solidarity might also be forged in stilettos. — Eileen G'sell, The Conversation, 8 June 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