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

At an event before the election, a group of Yemeni American leaders in Michigan gifted him a traditional Yemeni dagger, called a jambiya, wrapping it around his waist as a sign of respect towards him. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 15 Nov. 2024

Absolutely loved Rio leaving the Road by simply ……… taking her dagger to the canvas scenery. —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

The main frame 10-pointer was cool, but a long dagger point coming off his base added a bit of flair too cool to pass up. —Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 17 Oct. 2024

Fitting into that Manet moment, as well as the current dagger point of what Paris has apparently decided is the thing to do, Zoe Kravitz resolutely sees and ups the Lila Grace Moss-Hack’s black lace bet by shortening it dramatically and accelerating the general see-through-ness everywhere possible. —Guy Martin, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

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

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