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

Her sleek new ‘do went perfectly with her preppy ensemble, which consisted of a navy Burberry trench coat and black suede stiletto boots. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026

The shoe style is Maison Christian Louboutin‘s contemporary take on the timeless stiletto sandal. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Beyoncé accessorized the outfit with white stiletto pumps and a matching top-handle bag. — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Rihanna paired a brown Vetements football jersey with cargo shorts and beige stiletto boots for the outing, while covering her eyes with sunglasses. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 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