noun

Messer

MEH-suh

Messer (noun) means a medieval single-edged sword with a knife-like grip, historically used in German-speaking Europe. Example: “The museum displayed a 15th-century messer alongside other late-medieval swords.”

noun

A medieval single-edged sword with a knife-like grip, historically used in German-speaking Europe.

"The museum displayed a 15th-century messer alongside other late-medieval swords."

Someone who makes a mess of something.

"He's a notorious messer in the kitchen, leaving pans and spills everywhere."

How to use Messer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a type of old single-edged sword, or, informally, someone who makes a mess or messes around.

When to use it

The "sword" sense is a specialist historical/collector's term; the "person who messes" sense is informal.

Word forms

Messers plural, messers plural, messers plural, messers plural

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The museum displayed a 15th-century _____ alongside other late-medieval swords.

Etymology

The sword sense comes from German Messer, meaning "knife." Separately, the "one who messes" sense simply adds the agent suffix "-er" to the English verb "mess."

Origin: German

Rhymes for Messer

lesser dresser hairdresser

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Messer” mean?

The word “Messer” means a medieval single-edged sword with a knife-like grip, historically used in German-speaking Europe. In plain terms, either a type of old single-edged sword, or, informally, someone who makes a mess or messes around.

How do you pronounce “Messer”?

“Messer” is pronounced MEH-suh (/ˈmɛsə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “Messer” in a sentence?

Here is “Messer” used in a sentence: “The museum displayed a 15th-century messer alongside other late-medieval swords.”

What part of speech is “Messer”?

“Messer” is a noun.

Where does the word “Messer” come from?

The word “Messer” comes from German. The sword sense comes from German Messer, meaning "knife." Separately, the "one who messes" sense simply adds the agent suffix "-er" to the English verb "mess.".

How many meanings does “Messer” have?

“Messer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a medieval single-edged sword with a knife-like grip, historically used in German-speaking Europe.

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Vocabulary lists that include Messer:

Words with German origins