Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

sword of Damocles

noun phrase, often capitalized S sword of Dam·o·cles \ -ˈda-mə-ˌklēz \

Definition of sword of Damocles

: an impending disaster

First Known Use of sword of damocles

1820

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Learn More about sword of damocles

  1. See words that rhyme with sword of Damocles

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games