once upon a time dueling with swords was the gentlemanly way to settle a point of honor
Recent Examples on the WebTwo American women squared up for a sword fight at dusk.—Nick Duffy, NBC News, 28 July 2024 Some valiantly fell on the sword of that growth for the greater good (i.e. Tindaro and Panfilo), while others like Pampinea paid the steeper price for not evolving as much.—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 July 2024 Archaeologists have found curved iron blades, a spearhead, two pilums (a type of javelin used by Romans in combat at close range), a pommel of a sword and the handle for a cutting weapon, according to the release.—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 July 2024 Nearby, the team also found broken iron sword handles, curved blades, javelin points and a spearhead.—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sword
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sword.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swert sword
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of sword was
before the 12th century
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