stiletto

noun

sti·​let·​to stə-ˈle-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
plural stilettos or stilettoes
Synonyms of stilettonext
1
: a slender dagger with a blade thick in proportion to its breadth
2
: a pointed instrument for piercing holes for eyelets or embroidery
3
: stiletto heel
also : a shoe with a stiletto heel

Examples of stiletto 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.
This year’s whirlwind press tours, however, have brought standout footwear looks both within and beyond her realm of quintessential stiletto pumps. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 While a knockout voice is one way to capture an audience’s attention, a splash of sequins and a killer stiletto helped stick the landing. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 Thankfully, far less than a stiletto will do the trick, and this burgundy pair of kitten heel boots makes for a smart, low-lift way to weave fall into your summer wardrobe. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiletto

Word History

Etymology

Italian, diminutive of stilo stylus, dagger, from Latin stilus stylus — more at style

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiletto was circa 1611

Phrases Containing stiletto

Rhymes for stiletto

See All Rhymes for stiletto

Browse Nearby Words

stile recitativo
stiletto
stiletto fly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stiletto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiletto. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stiletto

noun
sti·​let·​to stə-ˈlet-ō How to pronounce stiletto (audio)
plural stilettos or stilettoes
: a slender dagger

More from Merriam-Webster on stiletto

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stiletto

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stiletto

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