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sword

noun

often attributive
Synonyms of swordnext
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 adjective

Illustration of sword

Illustration of sword
  • 1 pommel
  • 2 hilt
  • 3 guard
  • 4 blade
Phrases
at swords' points
: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Parker was talking two weeks after HBO renewed the swords ‘n’ shields comedy-drama series before the first had launched, spending much of his time on stage with HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi talking up the talents of show stars Dexter Sol Ansell and Peter Claffey. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2025 Maduro appeared at a mass rally in the capital holding the sword of Simón Bolívar, the 19th-century independence leader regarded as the liberator of much of South America. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Nov. 2025 Three stars descending from the belt form Orion’s sword. John Meyer, Denver Post, 28 Nov. 2025 Also, that movie is George Lucas playing with genre film and sword-and-sandals/noir/detective/high-melodrama romance and having funwith it. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sword

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sword was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sword. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

sword

noun
ˈsō(ə)rd How to pronounce sword (audio)
ˈsȯ(ə)rd
1
: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge
2
: the use of force
swordlike adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sword

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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