sword

noun, often attributive

\ ˈsȯrd

How to pronounce sword (audio)

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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

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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

Two days later, a man was stabbed to death with a samurai sword in broad daylight in Stuttgart, allegedly by his former roommate — a foreigner seeking asylum. — Los Angeles Times, "Violence by refugees and far-right extremists is darkening political attitudes in Germany," 22 Aug. 2019 At that decibel level, inviting a fake Oprah Winfrey, cutting your wedding cake with a samurai sword, and blatantly staging a fist-fight starts to seem like casual behavior. — Aja Romano, Vox, "Jake Paul and Tana Mongeau’s giant YouTuber wedding married reality TV to the internet," 30 July 2019 Gray cited a 2009 killing in which a 21-year-old Johns Hopkins student used a 3- to 5-foot-long samurai sword to fend off an intruder in his backyard. — Erin Logan, baltimoresun.com, "Legal experts weigh in on potential prosecution of Woodbine fatal shooting case," 25 July 2019 Last night, the celebrated designer enjoyed his first solo exhibition in over a decade; a showcase of his wide-ranging works that included cloisonné enamel armchairs, unweaponized samurai swords with lacquered sheaths, and vibrant Murrina desks. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "The Hot Seat: Designer Marc Newson Is Celebrated With a Gagosian Gallery Show," 19 Jan. 2019 His sword, axe and a fire striker, which was a common possession for Vikings, didn't originate there. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "Scientists try to crack the mysterious case of a medieval skeleton once used as Nazi propaganda," 22 Aug. 2019 The hops-laden assortment of hoodies and T-shirts came emblazoned with swords and other motifs from the period. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "With His Latest Outfit, Post Malone Is Serving Game of Thrones Realness," 7 Aug. 2019 But the fact they’ve been given high-profile attention by Vladimir Putin is clearly a way to signal to both his domestic and international audiences that Russia won’t let its nuclear sword be blunted. — Alex Wellerstein, Quartz, "America’s nuclear-weapons policy isn’t what you think—it’s much worse," 6 Aug. 2019 At the Carmelite convent and the Abbaye jail in Paris, the crowd killed the priests, after summary judgment, with swords, knives, and clubs. — Christopher Ketcham, Harper's magazine, "A Play with No End," 22 July 2019

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.

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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

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WORD OF THE DAY

issuable

authorized for issue (as a bond)

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