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

—E. G. Bulwer-Lytton

3

: coercive power

4

: something that resembles a sword

swordlike

ˈsȯrd-ˌlīk 

adjective

Illustration of sword

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

Phrases

at swords' points

: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

Synonyms

• blade
• brand
• 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

While the show allows a myriad of exciting and enticing props — like swords, animals and fire — they all must be approved by producers beforehand for safety purposes. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 24 June 2025

In some cases, swords were tossed into bodies of water after their owners died. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025

For all the pageantry -- throne, swords, the Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honor -- the auction's true power comes from its intimacy. —Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025

Woodfin said Jefferson presented an ornate sword to Dearborn during a ceremony. —Chelsea Torres, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025

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