dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈda-gər How to pronounce dagger (audio)
Synonyms of dagger
1
: a sharp pointed knife for stabbing
2
a
: something that resembles a dagger
b
: a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date
daggerlike
ˈda-gər-ˌlīk How to pronounce dagger (audio)
adjective
see also:
at daggers drawn look daggers

Examples of dagger 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.
This was discontinued when SOE chiefs realized that a dagger would be the first thing taken from a prisoner. — David Szondy august 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 The painting, now owned by MoMA, shows a mélange of people—soldiers, civilians, field workers—and animals, as well as daggers. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The story delivers tender and tragic daggers to the heart through a series of unsettling encounters that expose the awkwardness of puberty. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Then in the seventh, Chisholm clubbed a two-run home run that served as the dagger. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dagger

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dagger was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing dagger

Rhymes for dagger

See All Rhymes for dagger

Browse Nearby Words

Dagestan
dagger
daggerboard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dagger. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dagger

noun
dag·​ger ˈdag-ər How to pronounce dagger (audio)
1
: a short weapon for stabbing
2
: a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date

More from Merriam-Webster on dagger

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dagger

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dagger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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