sword

noun, often attributive

\ ˈsȯrd

\

Definition of sword

1 : a weapon (such as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority

2a : an agency or instrument of destruction or combat

b : the use of force the pen is mightier than the sword— E. G. Bulwer-Lytton

3 : coercive power

4 : something that resembles a sword

at swords' points

: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

Other Words from sword Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about sword

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of sword in a Sentence

once upon a time dueling with swords was the gentlemanly way to settle a point of honor

Recent Examples on the Web

Produced using the same methods that craft traditional samurai swords, these ultra-precise knives deliver unmatched quality and stability. — Popular Mechanics, "These Precise Japanese Knives Are a Kitchen Must-Have," 11 Dec. 2018 An indefatigable executive widely respected in Hollywood, even by those who crossed swords with her, Ms. Kroll joined Warner in 1994. — Brooks Barnes, New York Times, "Warner Bros. Shakes Up Senior Film Ranks, Ending a Power Struggle," 9 Jan. 2018 Yeoh, 56, has played many powerful women in her 30-plus-year career, which includes roles as a Bond girl, Burmese democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and a sword-wielding fighter in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Michelle Yeoh Hopes Crazy Rich Asians Will Turn the Trickle of Diversity in Hollywood "Into a Stream"," 27 Aug. 2018 For those of you unfamiliar with the '80s cartoon reference, She-Ra is the twin sister of He-Man, and a sword-wielding royal rebel known for her strength. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle's Favorite Princess as a Child Definitely Isn't Who You'd Expect," 14 Aug. 2018 Noelle specifically wanted to make Adora feel like a real person, even if becoming a powerful warrior with the help of an enchanted sword is pretty fantastical. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, ""She-Ra and the Princesses of Power" Teaser Trailer Shows Adora Transforming Into the Iconic Warrior," 10 Sep. 2018 No nation’s weaponry matched a Hittite sword or chariot. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018 Hellzapoppin', which claims to be the world's largest touring freak show, is coming to Winter Park on Wednesday, June 27, bringing fire, swords and beds of nails. — Trevor Fraser, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Hellzapoppin' Circus Sideshow aims for Winter Park," 27 June 2018 Folks doing the killings in urban Louisville and in rural communities like Benton and West Paducah and Grayson, where Kentucky's school killings have taken place, aren’t using knives, swords or nunchucks. — Joseph Gerth, The Courier-Journal, "Any 'honest' talk about how to prevent school shootings has to include guns | Gerth," 26 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sword.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for sword

sword

noun

English Language Learners Definition of sword

: a weapon with a long metal blade that has a sharp point and edge

See the full definition for sword in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sword

noun

\ ˈsȯrd

\

Kids Definition of sword

: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

adjudicate

to settle judicially or to act as judge

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.

pol pole
poll poal

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games