Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of bodkin
The bodkins were helpful tools that could double as hairpins.
—
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Icke also occasionally cues up some Bob Dylan songs, chosen for their on-the-bodkin lyrics.
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 30 June 2022
Punishment for cursing or disparaging a clergyman was having a bodkin — a large needle — driven through the tongue.
—Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2017
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Icke also occasionally cues up some Bob Dylan songs, chosen for their on-the-bodkin lyrics.
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 30 June 2022
Punishment for cursing or disparaging a clergyman was having a bodkin — a large needle — driven through the tongue.
—Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bodkin
Noun
-
This includes openly carrying the famous Jim Bowie knife, as well as daggers, dirks, throwing knives, stilettos, poniards, swords, machetes and spears.—
John Tufts,
USA TODAY,
30 Aug. 2017
Noun
-
When Grimes rose up over Tre Mann and completed the rally with his dagger three, Joel Embiid sprinted off the bench with a huge smile on his face, and the entire bench joined him.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Some 78 yards later, Brown had a touchdown that his quarterback and coach would call the dagger in a 42-17 unexpected laugher at KU.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mind you, the entire infantry kit in those days didn't go far beyond a rifle, bayonet, canteen, mess tins, and an entrenching tool balanced with the odd hand grenade.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Security and prosperity proved strong enticements to accepting imperial rule, even if those benefits came at the point of a bayonet.—
Time,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Cut-off shorts were worn long and paired with stiletto boots, while baggy jeans featured intricate lattices of cutouts.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The back-to-back pointed toes reflect a clear preference for structured, stiletto silhouettes this week.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Bionca Ellis, 34, stole two knives from the Volunteers of America Thrift Store next to the Giant Eagle supermarket in North Olmsted on June 3, 2024, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The mother was about to load her groceries into her vehicle when Ellis ran at them with a knife, stabbing the toddler twice before walking away.—
Pilar Arias,
FOXNews.com,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
How did the pocketknife wind up on the sideline of a college football game?—
Sam McDowell
October 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Leipold said in his postgame press conference that a pocketknife had been thrown during the game and had hit a member of Kansas’ staff.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Richardson was originally charged in Orange County with a felony count of criminal threats, a felony count of possessing brass knuckles, a felony count of possessing a dirk or dagger, and a misdemeanor count of possession of a large-capacity magazine.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
-
He has been charged on suspicion of committing three felonies, making criminal threats, possession of brass knuckles and possession of a dirk or dagger, Orange County prosecutors said in a criminal complaint.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The workers blamed Landi — who was still in charge — for their troubles, and an image of Landi posing, pirate-style, with a cartoon-villain expression and a cutlass between his teeth became a symbol for Eutelia’s misdeeds.—
Atossa Araxia Abrahamian Atossa Araxia Abrahamian,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2025
-
The ultimate prop was the pirate flag, which could be decorated with a skull and crossbones (as in the classic Jolly Roger design), bleeding hearts, hourglasses, spears, cutlasses and skeletons.—
Sean Kingsley,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Bodkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bodkin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share