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Synonyms

hilt

American  
[hilt] / hɪlt /

noun

  1. the handle of a sword or dagger.

  2. the handle of any weapon or tool.

verb (used with object)

  1. to furnish with a hilt.

idioms

  1. to the hilt, to the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully Also up to the hilt.

    to play the role to the hilt.
hilt British  
/ hɪlt /

noun

  1. the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc

  2. to the full

"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

verb

  1. (tr) to supply with a hilt

"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
hilt More Idioms  

  1. see to the hilt.

Etymology

Origin of hilt

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English hilt(e); cognate with Middle Dutch hilt(e), Old Norse hjalt, Old High German helza “handle of a sword”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A harpoon gun from "Jaws," a jacket worn by "The Terminator," and a "Star Wars" lightsaber hilt and C-3PO head are among the eye-catching items to be sold at auction next month.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

The production, directed by Sam Pinkleton, plays this delirious situation to the comic hilt.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2025

Just six months ago England coach Brendon McCullum backed Jos Buttler to the hilt despite questions over his captain's future.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2025

Sanders is playing the rivalry thing to the hilt.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

I touch my wounded hand to the hilt of my silver sword, the sword my father forged.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.