sickle

[ sik-uhl ]

noun

1. an implement for cutting grain, grass, etc., consisting of a curved, hooklike blade mounted in a short handle.
2. Sickle, Astronomy. a group of stars in the constellation Leo, likened to this implement for its curved, sickle-like shape.

sickle

/ ˈsɪkəl /

noun

1. an implement for cutting grass, corn, etc, having a curved blade and a short handle

Word History and Origins

Origin of sickle¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English sikel, Old English sicol; cognate with Dutch zikkel, German Sichel, all ultimately derived from Latin secula, equivalent to sec(āre) “to cut” + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of sickle¹

Old English sicol, from Latin sēcula; related to secāre to cut

Example Sentences

In the 1960s in North Carolina, Adams and her family would take her sister Linda, who had sickle cell anemia, to the emergency room because they had no doctor and could not afford health insurance.

From Salon

One handout was a sticker for “CNN” where the “C” was replaced with a “hammer and sickle.”

From Salon

Young donors are urged to come forward, especially those with O negative blood type, and more donors of black heritage are also being sought to help treat patients with sickle cell disease.

From BBC

Take, for example, new gene-editing treatments for children with sickle cell disease.

From Salon

Negotiations are still under way to see if the same therapy can be used on the NHS for another genetic disease affecting haemoglobin - sickle cell anaemia.

From BBC

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• cutter
• dagger
• machete
• scalpel
• skewer
• sword