sword
7 synonyms for sword, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long-bladed weapon with a hilt, used for cutting or stabbing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use sword
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
draw a sword
sheathe a sword
cross swords
sword and shield
Etymology
From Old English sweord, going back to a very old Germanic root for "sword," related to words like Schwert in German and zwaard in Dutch.
Full origin of sword →Frequently asked questions
What does “sword” mean?
The word “sword” means a long-bladed weapon with a hilt, used for cutting or stabbing. In plain terms, a bladed hand weapon — also a suit in tarot cards, and figuratively a symbol of military force.
How do you pronounce “sword”?
“Sword” is pronounced sawd (/soɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “sword” in a sentence?
Here is “sword” used in a sentence: “The knight drew his sword before the duel began.”
What part of speech is “sword”?
“Sword” is a noun.
Where does the word “sword” come from?
The word “sword” comes from Old English. From Old English sweord, going back to a very old Germanic root for "sword," related to words like Schwert in German and zwaard in Dutch.
Is “sword” a common word?
“Sword” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “sword” have?
“Sword” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-bladed weapon with a hilt, used for cutting or stabbing.
What is the difference between a sword and a dagger?
A sword is a long-bladed weapon with a hilt, used for cutting or stabbing. A dagger is much shorter, designed mainly for stabbing at close range and often concealed, so the key difference is blade length and reach.
