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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- hilts
- Third person singular
- hilts
- Past tense
- hilted
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for hilt
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.
