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.
Like, there’s a chick pushing a he-man out of the way and drawing a dagger to go at a T-Rex. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026 Failing to closely examine the word being wielded like a dagger by one’s own white mother is a shame and a disappointment. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 Digwa was convicted of murder for stabbing Nowak with a Sikh dagger and sentenced last week to life in prison with a minimum 21-year term. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 Frazer was found guilty of third-degree murder and possession of the instrument of crime — a seven-inch dagger that was found in her home after the slaying, the Inquirer reported. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of dagger for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dagger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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