noun
tanto
TAHN-toh
noun
1
A short traditional Japanese blade, often carried alongside a katana.
"The samurai kept a tanto tucked into his belt as a backup weapon."
How to Use Tanto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short Japanese dagger-like sword, historically used as a secondary weapon.
Word Forms
tanto plural, tantos plural
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The samurai kept a _____ tucked into his belt as a backup weapon.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese tantō, meaning "short sword".