sword

noun

ˈsȯrd How to pronounce sword (audio)
Synonyms of swordnext
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.—Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
3
: coercive power
4
: something that resembles a sword
swordlike
ˈsȯrd-ˌlīk How to pronounce sword (audio)
adjective
see also:
at swords' points cross swords fall on one's sword

Illustration of sword

Illustration of sword
  • 1 pommel
  • 2 hilt
  • 3 guard
  • 4 blade

Synonyms of sword

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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
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.
At the Palladium, James and her bandmate/husband Zachary took the stage in all-black leather, with thigh-high boots, swords, an inverted crucifix necklace and a giant silver Baphomet pendant. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Emma Mackey’s White Witch opens her eyes, flies in metallic couture, brandishes a sword, and rides wildly through London on a horse while the ’70s rock blares in the background. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 The idea of crashing into the modern office of a capitalist gang with nothing but a samurai sword and a sense of moral righteousness had a certain romantic appeal. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 In exchange, a new live-action feature of the sword-carrying reptiles is in the works aimed at families). — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sword

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

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

Phrases Containing sword

Rhymes for sword

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Browse Nearby Words

swope
sword
sword-and-buckler
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sword

noun
ˈsō(ə)rd How to pronounce sword (audio)
ˈsȯ(ə)rd
1
: a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge
2
: the use of force
swordlike
-ˌlīk How to pronounce sword (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sword

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sword

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