dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈda-gər 

1

: a sharp pointed knife for stabbing

2

a

: something that resembles a dagger

b

: a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date

daggerlike

ˈda-gər-ˌlīk 

adjective

see also:

at daggers drawn look daggers

Examples of dagger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The shot included five receptions for Lamb on the final drive for 41 yards and the dagger in the end zone. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

But El Tri’s intensity was extinguished by Julian Hall’s 28th-minute goal, and against-the-run-of-play dagger that turned the tide while giving the 18-year-old forward goals in three straight games to begin his national team career. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Syracuse plunged what sure felt like the mortal dagger early in the third quarter. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026

The road Game 3 win reigns supreme in Liberty lore after Sabrina Ionescu drained a 28-foot game-winning dagger. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dagger

• cloak-and-dagger
• double dagger

Rhymes for dagger

• agger
• bagger
• stagger
• swagger

Kids Definition

dagger

noun

dag·​ger ˈdag-ər 

1

: a short weapon for stabbing

2

: a symbol † used in printing as a reference mark to indicate a death date