hilt

noun

: a handle especially of a sword or dagger
Phrases
to the hilt
1
: to the very limit : completely
the farm was mortgaged to the hilt
2
: with nothing lacking
played the role to the hilt

Examples of hilt in a Sentence

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.
Fire dances off the hilt of the katana in her hand. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025 While the Galaxy's Edge Legacy lightsabers are also considered collectibles, some models and some limited edition models come with special display boxes for the hilts. Alexander Cox, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The three were: the original stunt lightsaber prop used by Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as an original bladed lightsaber prop used by Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn and an original lightsaber hilt prop, screen-used by Darth Maul (played by Ray Park) in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 29 July 2025 With Russia sanctioned to the hilt, and the world in need of its resources, there’s no better time to cash in. Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hilt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German helza hilt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hilt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilt. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

hilt

noun
: a handle especially of a sword or dagger

More from Merriam-Webster on hilt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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