noun

hilt

hihlt

Hilt (noun) means the handle of a sword or knife, including the grip and guard. Example: “He gripped the hilt tightly before drawing the blade.”

noun

The handle of a sword or knife, including the grip and guard.

"He gripped the hilt tightly before drawing the blade."

"The sword's hilt was decorated with silver."

How to use hilt

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe part of a sword or dagger you hold onto, as opposed to the blade.

Common mistake

Mostly seen today in the phrase "to the hilt," meaning completely or fully (as if a blade were pushed in as far as the handle).

Common pairings

to the hilt grip the hilt sword hilt

Word forms

hilted past tense, hilts plural, Hilts plural, hilts singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “hilt” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He gripped the _____ tightly before drawing the blade.

Etymology

From Old English hilt, related to Old Norse hjalt.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for hilt

gilt milt silt kilt wilt tilt spilt

See all rhymes for hilt →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hilt” mean?

The word “hilt” means the handle of a sword or knife, including the grip and guard. In plain terms, the part of a sword or dagger you hold onto, as opposed to the blade.

How do you pronounce “hilt”?

“Hilt” is pronounced hihlt (/hɪlt/ in IPA).

How do you use “hilt” in a sentence?

Here is “hilt” used in a sentence: “He gripped the hilt tightly before drawing the blade.”

What part of speech is “hilt”?

“Hilt” is a noun.

Where does the word “hilt” come from?

The word “hilt” comes from Old English. From Old English hilt, related to Old Norse hjalt.