First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
dagger
noun dag·ger \ˈda-gər\
: a sharp pointed knife that is used as a weapon
Full Definition of DAGGER
1
: a sharp pointed knife for stabbing
2
a : something that resembles a dagger b : a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date
— dag·ger·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
— at daggers drawn
: in a state of open hostility or conflict
— look daggers or stare daggers
: to stare angrily <they looked daggers at each other across the table>
See dagger defined for English-language learners
See dagger defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DAGGER
Middle English
AT DAGGERS DRAWN Defined for Kids
dagger
noun dag·ger \ˈda-gər\
Definition of DAGGER for Kids
: a short knife used for stabbing
Learn More About DAGGER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: daggerboardPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dageshAll Words Near: dagger
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dagger? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).