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Damascus steel

American

noun

hand-wrought steel, made in various Asian countries, from parts of a bloom of heterogeneous composition, repeatedly folded over and welded and finally etched to reveal the resulting grain: used especially for sword blades.

Damascus steel British

noun

history a hard flexible steel with wavy markings caused by forging the metal in strips: used for sword blades

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Damascus steel

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

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Damascus steel

“Being back in the studio helps give me a sense of normalcy,” Berkofsky said as he hammered the red-hot Damascus steel on an anvil.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2025

The same used to make samurai swords, Damascus steel is known for its distinctive patterns of banding that can produce a look reminiscent of flowing water.

From Golf Digest ● Mar. 27, 2017

His most valuable piece is a Luftwaffe sword with a Damascus steel blade, worth $12,000.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 30, 2015

He makes Bowie knives, hunting knives and daggers using mammoth bone, gold wire inlay and Damascus steel, which he forges.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 3, 2015

At his girdle hung a scimitar of Damascus steel, with loops and tassels of silk and gold.

From Wolfert's Roost and Miscellanies by Irving, Washington

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023