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

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Etymology

Origin of dagger

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

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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

Princess Ita's coffin also held an especially ornate dagger.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026

A stunning jeweled dagger hilt and scabbard from Jahangir’s reign incorporate more than 2,000 diamonds, rubies and emeralds set in an intricate pattern in gold.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

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

Acute pain filled her stomach the moment she moved, as unforgiving as a hanjari dagger impaled deep in her entrails.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

The bows, arrows, daggers, and maces found in their tombs were often interpreted as ceremonial objects rather than equipment the women had actually used.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 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

Here, the evildoers receive sumptuous cloaks along with their metaphorical daggers.

From Salon ● Jan. 28, 2026

“Welcome,” I say sitting opposite from him, his eyes like daggers.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

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