sword

noun, often attributive \ ˈsȯrd \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

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

2 a : 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

—

swordlike

play \ˈsȯrd-ˌlīk\ adjective

— at swords' points

: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

See sword defined for English-language learners

See sword defined for kids

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 of sword from the Web

Details: IRT Live Indianapolis Shakespeare Co. Food trucks, Sun King beer, and sword fights?

— sarah bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018
For instance, the Pepe the Frog spinners, a flag mimicking the Nazi war flag with the cartoon frog incorporated, German SS officer hat and sword, the baby onesies and some of the Nazi soldier figurines were no longer available.

— mike snider, USA TODAY, "Amazon profits by not banning white supremacists and 'peddlers of hate,' report charges," 6 July 2018
One of his daughters also takes part in historical fencing, but is still learning how to use swords.

— mauricio savarese, Fox News, "World Cup host set for historical fencing to forget soccer," 1 July 2018
These props with wicks include fire poi, hula hoops, staffs, fans, and swords.

— jeremy hallock, star-telegram, "FemPyre lights up Fort Worth with their art of fire performing," 28 June 2018
Normally, the pump-up video before a game in Vegas features lots of armored knights on skates pulling swords out of stones.

— charlotte wilder, SI.com, "The Stanley Cup Final Display is for Vegas Locals and Game 1 Gave Them Ultimate Show," 29 May 2018
Jenkins also is looking forward to taking Japanese language classes and learning to practice Kendo, a martial art involving bamboo swords, because he's always been captivated by Japanese culture.

— isabella gomez and justin lear, CNN, "He slept in homeless shelters as a kid. Now he's going to Harvard on a full ride," 24 May 2018
Authentic helmets – of tooled leather and carved metal, corroded after a millennium underground, often with chain mail hanging – are on show next to metal swords decorated with Indian garnets.

— susan dunne, courant.com, "Viking Artifacts, Vinland Map On Display At Mystic Seaport," 22 May 2018
With the new weapons policy that bans real or replica firearms, explosives and ammunition, as well as metal or wooden swords, some vendors can't return this year.

— kellie hwang, azcentral, "Phoenix Comic Fest changes include metal detectors, prop weapons policy, wristbands," 21 May 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.

Illustration of sword

Origin and Etymology of sword

Middle English, from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swert sword

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

sword Synonyms

Synonyms

blade, brand, steel;

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

SWORD Defined for English Language Learners

sword

noun

Definition of sword for English Language Learners

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

SWORD Defined for Kids

sword

noun \ ˈsȯrd \

Definition of sword for Students

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

Learn More about sword

See words that rhyme with sword Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sword Spanish Central: Translation of sword Nglish: Translation of sword for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sword for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sword

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sword

Definition of sword

swordlike

Examples of sword in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sword from the Web

Illustration of sword

Origin and Etymology of sword

sword Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

Phrases Related to SWORD

Related Phrases

SWORD Defined for English Language Learners

sword

Definition of sword for English Language Learners

SWORD Defined for Kids

sword

Definition of sword for Students

Learn More about sword

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