stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈle-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
plural stilettos or stilettoes
Synonyms of stilettonext
1
: a slender dagger with a blade thick in proportion to its breadth
2
: a pointed instrument for piercing holes for eyelets or embroidery
3
: stiletto heel
also : a shoe with a stiletto heel

Examples of stiletto 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.
The Babylone style is a laced stiletto sandal that is decorated at the toe strap with the YSL Cassandre in a bronze-tone metal. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 For Celine, Quashie roughly painted nails on the same hand different bricky shades, and for Matières Fécales, manicurist Lora de Sousa offered all lengths and shapes of red, from curling claws to XXL ovals and sharp stilettos. — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Andres Assous' recent collaboration with the stunning Bri Tiesi features several pairs of covetable stiletto boots (knee-high and ankle), fierce ankle strap pumps, sophisticated loafers and more. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 At the time, Hilton finished off her look with a pair of strappy baby pink stiletto sandals, a pink boxy purse, and a sparkling crown atop her icy blonde bob. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiletto

Word History

Etymology

Italian, diminutive of stilo stylus, dagger, from Latin stilus stylus — more at style

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiletto was circa 1611

Phrases Containing stiletto

Rhymes for stiletto

See All Rhymes for stiletto

Browse Nearby Words

stile recitativo
stiletto
stiletto fly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stiletto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiletto. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stiletto

noun
sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
plural stilettos or stilettoes
: a slender dagger

More from Merriam-Webster on stiletto

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stiletto

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stiletto

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