cutlass

or cut·las

[ kuht-luhs ]

noun

1. a short, heavy, slightly curved sword with a single cutting edge, formerly used by sailors.

cutlass

/ ˈkʌtləs /

noun

1. a curved, one-edged sword formerly used by sailors

Word History and Origins

Origin of cutlass¹

1585–95; earlier coutelace < Middle French coutelas, equivalent to coutel knife ( French couteau ) (< Latin cultellus; cultellus ) + -as augmentative suffix; cognate with Italian coltellaccio big knife; curtalax

Word History and Origins

Origin of cutlass¹

C16: from French coutelas, from coutel knife, from Latin cultellus a small knife, from culter knife; see coulter

Example Sentences

Authorities said that a group of gang members from a “Black gang” drove around the neighborhood in two cars — a brown Nissan Sentra and a gold Oldsmobile Cutlass — shooting at random people they believed to be Latino.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniel Flores, 54, of Echo Park, went in looking for nylon rope to secure a tarpaulin across his Oldsmobile Cutlass, which he parks on the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniel Flores, 54 of Echo Park, went in looking for nylon rope to secure a tarpaulin across the top of his Oldsmobile Cutlass, which he parks outside.

From Los Angeles Times

September will mark 15 years since he was shot in the back of his head after an early-morning dice game, sitting in his ’86 Cutlass a few seconds too long, foolishly counting his money, he said, when he should have just driven off.

From Los Angeles Times

The Pirates are using a cutlass — think sword — for their celebration.

From Seattle Times

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