Definition of pikestaffnext
as in spear
a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade pikestaffs were in use from the Middle Ages to the 18th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pikestaff If the garden was a desert, the house was as plain as pikestaff. Town & Country, 28 Apr. 2023 Their weapon of choice was the pikestaff, a long staff topped with a sharp spike. Kristy Totten, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pikestaff
Noun
  • Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The kitchen’s electrical oven roasts them during the daytime; they’re then chilled and served cold, with hot sauce, a ramekin of mayonnaise, and a pile of pickle spears.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The feeling came again when Wright, who played hockey, netball, tennis and javelin at county level in her teens, turned her hand to rugby.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most memorable is witnessing the Maasai Games, where warriors compete in events such as sprinting, javelin throwing, high jump, and rungu throwing.
    Nicola Shepherd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, objects of cultural patrimony such as five pairs of moccasins, one coupstick, one Cheyenne cradle board and one lance were returned in the ceremony.
    News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026
  • As for the Speed, the museum returned three ceremonial objects (a rattle, a beaded pipe bag, and a beaded turtle amulet) and 21 other items, among them beaded pouches and bags, moccasins, a coup stick, a cradleboard, and a lance.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pikestaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pikestaff. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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