dagger

American  

[dag-er] / ˈdæg ər /

noun

• daggers
  plural

1. a short, swordlike weapon with a pointed blade and a handle, used for stabbing.

2. Also called obelisk.  Printing. a mark (†) used especially for references.

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verb (used with object)

1. to stab with or as if with a dagger.

2. Printing. to mark with a dagger.

idioms

1. look daggers at, to look at angrily, threateningly, or with hate.

dagger British  

/ ˈdæɡə /

noun

1. a short stabbing weapon with a pointed blade

2. Also called: obelisk.  a character (†) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp to a footnote

3. in a state of open hostility

4. to glare with hostility; scowl

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verb

1. to mark with a dagger

2. archaic to stab with a dagger

dagger More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing dagger

• look daggers

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• daggers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dagger

1350–1400; Middle English, probably alteration of Old French dague, of obscure origin; cf. dag ¹

Explanation

A dagger is a weapon, a sharp knife that's used for self-defense or fighting. During the Late Middle Ages, daggers were a sort of back-up to the longer sword, both carried during battles. Most daggers have a sharp, pointed blade and a handle with a "crossguard" that protects a fighter's hand from sliding forward and getting cut. Throughout history, various kinds of daggers have been used in close combat. The word comes from the Old French dague, though its origin beyond that isn't known. The ancient last name Dagard, dating from the 13th century or earlier, meant "one who carries a dagger."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dagger daggers

The judge who sentenced Digwa said he was carrying a knife in a sheath, as well as a second, larger dagger linked to his tradition as a member of the Nihang order of Sikhs.

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026

At a defense forum in Singapore on Saturday, Brunson was asked if his "dagger" remarks were "authorised or endorsed by the Pentagon".

From Barron's ● May 30, 2026

Also, 2023 first-round pick Cason Wallace, an elite defender and efficient offensive contributor, delivered the dagger Thursday with eight fourth-quarter points.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026

“You won’t be in the shadows forever,” Blake tells his intrepid team members—who, like the real-life Mr. Stanton, still maintain the cloak, if not the dagger.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

Matthias practically dropped the dagger through laughing so much.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Gracie Abrams' third album is like a cutlery drawer full of daggers.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

The troublesome Queen of the Night dazzles with high notes that shoot out like daggers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026

Some fought with only a trident; some fought mounted on horseback; some on chariot; others on foot with helmet and short sword; some with two daggers; still others exclusively fought wild beasts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026

Naroditsky had strong social ties, and was well respected publicly and privately, but the thin daggers of cyberbullying may have slipped past those defenses.

From Slate ● Nov. 1, 2025

“I heard it was an accident,” I suggested, looking daggers at Nussbaum.

From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• sword