sword

[ sawrd, sohrd ]

noun

1. a weapon having various forms but consisting typically of a long, straight or slightly curved blade, sharp-edged on one or both sides, with one end pointed and the other fixed in a hilt or handle.
2. this weapon as the symbol of military power, punitive justice, authority, etc.:

   The pen is mightier than the sword.

3. a cause of death or destruction.
4. war, combat, slaughter, or violence, especially military force or aggression:

   to perish by the sword.

5. Sword. Military. the code name for one of the five D-Day invasion beaches on France's Normandy coast, assaulted by British forces.

sword

/ sɔːd /

noun

1. a thrusting, striking, or cutting weapon with a long blade having one or two cutting edges, a hilt, and usually a crosspiece or guard
2. such a weapon worn on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of authority
3. something resembling a sword, such as the snout of a swordfish
4. cross swords
   to argue or fight
5. the sword
   1. violence or power, esp military power
   2. death; destruction

      to put to the sword

Derived Forms

• ˈswordˌlike, adjective
• ˈswordless, adjective

Other Words From

• swordless adjective
• swordlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sword¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English sweord; cognate with Dutch zwaard, German Schwert, Old Norse sverth

Word History and Origins

Origin of sword¹

Old English sweord; related to Old Saxon swerd, Old Norse sverth, Old High German swert

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at swords' points, mutually antagonistic or hostile; opposed:

   Father and son are constantly at swords' point.

2. cross swords,
   1. to engage in combat; fight.
   2. to disagree violently; argue:

      The board members crossed swords in the selection of a president.

3. put to the sword, to slay; execute:

   The entire population of the town was put to the sword.

More idioms and phrases containing sword

In addition to the idiom beginning with sword , also see at sword's point ; cross swords .

Example Sentences

The mother of the guy who played Troilus made all the costumes, Mandvi recalled, and so he came out onstage with a cardboard sword with a crease in it.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than being equipped with a sword and shield, as in previous Legend of Zelda games, the main character has the ability to copy items and enemies found during their quest.

From BBC

The double-edged sword of achieving powerful social status as a marginalized person in American society is the assimilation necessary to accomplish it.

From Slate

The family's journey through the past began when former gunner Percy, from Pimlico in central London, shared his story of landing on Sword Beach with the 7th Armoured Division of the British Army.

From BBC

In an Instagram video the day before, she had worn a red and silver pendant of the archangel Michael, his wings spread out in triumph, a shield in one hand and a sword in another.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blade
• dagger
• saber