sword

play

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

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 \-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

The man had driven into a restricted area near the palace, and reached for his sword when unarmed officers approached.

— benjamin hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Suspected Terrorists Attacked Police in Brussels, London," 26 Aug. 2017
The theory also states that Azor Ahai will stand up to the White Walkers with his sword, Lightbringer.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "14 Game of Thrones Theories That Will Blow Your Mind in Season 7," 23 Aug. 2017
Nobody exemplifies this two-edged sword like Theron.

— steve erickson, Los Angeles Magazine, "With Atomic Blonde, Charlize Theron Thrusts Another Dagger into Old Hollywood," 22 Aug. 2017
In January an Islamist preacher from Jakarta, Tengku Zulkarnain, attempted to address a rally in Sintang, deep in West Kalimantan’s forests, but angry Dayak tribesmen brandishing swords chased him off.

— The Economist, "Borneo againIndonesian Islamists open a new front in their war on tolerance," 20 July 2017
In Zika's case the story seems to be more about what didn't happen, and that's a double-edged sword.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "Zika in 2017: Virus threat has been quiet, but it hasn't gone away," 18 July 2017
Murray used a sword to open the bottle and took a swig.

— beth harris, The Seattle Times, "Westbrook, Biles win athlete of year honors at The ESPYS," 12 July 2017
Murray reached into it and grabbed bottles of beer for both himself and fellow Cubs fan Offerman, opening them with a sword.

— vanityfair.com, "Bill Murray and Nick Offerman Make Goofy, Surprise Appearance at 2017 ESPYs," 12 July 2017
Murray used a sword to open the bottle and took a swig.

— beth harris, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs, Russell Westbrook and Simone Biles among big ESPY winners," 12 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

sword Synonyms

Synonyms

blade, brand, steel

Related Words

broadsword, cutlass, rapier, saber (or sabre), scimitar, smallsword

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

SWORD Defined for English Language Learners

sword

play

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

play

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up sword? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

sword

Definition of sword

swordlike

People Are Reading

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

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066