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 shoes were dramatic as well, a stiletto sandal adorned with voluminous tulle — this was a Valentino collaboration with Philip Treacy from spring 2010. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026

While a knockout voice is one way to capture an audience’s attention, a splash of sequins and a killer stiletto helped stick the landing. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Thankfully, far less than a stiletto will do the trick, and this burgundy pair of kitten heel boots makes for a smart, low-lift way to weave fall into your summer wardrobe. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

Beyoncé accessorized the outfit with white stiletto pumps and a matching top-handle bag. — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 20 July 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