dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈda-gər 

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 

adjective

Phrases

at daggers drawn

: in a state of open hostility or conflict

look daggers or stare daggers

: to stare angrily

they looked daggers at each other across the table

Examples of dagger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ball found Horford in the paint, who zipped it out to an open Hauser for what proved to be the dagger. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025

The only rooting interest in a Hawks storyline for any viewer outside of the Chicago market is Connor Bedard, and after enjoying a honeymoon period as a rookie last season, the daggers are out, writes Phil Thompson. —Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

Davis’ final touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium was supposed to be the dagger in the Chiefs’ hopeful return to the AFC Championship, as there were just 13 seconds left on the fourth-quarter clock when the Bills’ kickoff commenced. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025

His devoted wife then pushes a dagger into her throat. —Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dagger

• cloak-and-dagger
• double dagger

Rhymes for dagger

• agger
• bagger
• stagger
• swagger

Kids Definition

dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈdag-ər 

1

: a short weapon for stabbing

2

: a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date