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.
Then in the seventh, Chisholm clubbed a two-run home run that served as the dagger. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 The timing, however, served as a dagger for the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night in their second consecutive walk-off loss to the Seattle Mariners. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 By Bay City News An inmate serving a life sentence was convicted of assaulting a correctional officer in 2023 with a homemade dagger at Salinas Valley State Prison, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 True to form, Bladee’s daggers land with a delivery as sweet and honeyed as mead in his ethereal voice. — Vogue, 14 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dagger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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