stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈle-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But nobody is scuffing the dining table with their stilettos; no one is stargazing out in the garden. Kitty Ruskin, Time, 26 June 2025 The fashion designer wore her jacket as a minidress with fishnet tights and stilettos while the soccer icon opted for a suit with loafers. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 15 June 2025 The blue, silver, and lavender sparkly dress featured a corseted waist and sweetheart neckline—a silhouette and style straight from the Lauren Sánchez school of style—and delicate silver stilettos that flashed her pale pink pedicure. Vogue, 23 May 2025 Miley Cyrus marked her arrival in Paris on Tuesday with a subtle nod to the city’s fashion history, wearing an archival dress from late designer Patrick Kelly paired with classic black stilettos. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stiletto

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiletto was circa 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stiletto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiletto. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

stiletto

noun
sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
plural stilettos or stilettoes
: a slender dagger
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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