sword

noun

ˈsȯrd 

often attributive

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.

—Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

3

: coercive power

4

: something that resembles a sword

swordlike

ˈsȯrd-ˌlīk 

adjective

see also:

at swords' points

Illustration of sword

• 1 pommel
• 2 hilt
• 3 guard
• 4 blade

Synonyms of sword

• blade
• steel

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

The hilt of a sword protruded from his back, snug beside a pack as tight as an angry fist. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 18 May 2026

The great Victor Wembanyama so holistically beat one of the NBA’s great competitors to the point of publicly laying down his sword. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Eventually, face masks and lightweight swords gave us a taste of the back-and-forth ‘combat’ that define the sport. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Man on a hike uncovers gold sword relic hidden under tree. —FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sword

• double-edged sword
• fall on one's sword
• put (someone) to the sword
• sword cane
• sword dance
• sword fern
• sword grass
• sword knot
• sword of Damocles
• two-edged sword

Rhymes for sword

• board
• bored
• chord
• cord
• corde
• cored
• fjord
• floored
• gored
• gourd
• hoard
• horde

Kids Definition

sword

noun

ˈsō(ə)rd 

ˈsȯ(ə)rd

1

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

2

: the use of force

swordlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective