What does sword mean?
A sword is a weapon with a long blade and a handle, historically used for cutting, thrusting, and fighting. Today, the word most commonly refers to the weapon itself, including swords from different periods and cultures, such as rapiers, sabres, and ceremonial blades. In figurative language, it can represent military force, violent struggle, or the threat of combat. Expressions such as “draw a sword” and “by the sword” preserve this older martial association. The word is also used more broadly for any sword-shaped weapon, including those used in fencing or ceremonial contexts. Although swords are no longer ordinary weapons in most modern societies, they remain prominent in literature, mythology, history, heraldry, and competitive sword sports.
nounA weapon with a long blade and a handle, used for cutting or thrusting. By extension, it can refer to military force or decisive combat.
- A weapon consisting of a long blade fixed in a handle, used for cutting or thrusting.
- Military force, combat, or the threat of violence, especially in figurative expressions.
"The knight drew his sword and stepped forward to defend the village."
"The museum displays a collection of ceremonial swords from several medieval European cultures."
"The proposal was accepted without a sword being drawn, although the negotiations had been tense."
The usual plural is “swords.”
"The two swords hung prominently on the wall behind the desk."
The word “sword” descends from Old English sweord and belongs to a Germanic word family that includes German Schwert and Dutch zwaard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sword come from?
The word comes from Old English sweord, used for a weapon with a long blade. It belongs to the Germanic family of words represented in modern German by Schwert, Dutch zwaard, and Old Norse svǫrðr. English later adopted the modern form sword, while the older sense and its historical associations remained prominent in law, literature, and figurative expressions.
Related word forms
How sword is actually used
In modern everyday use, “sword” most often refers to the weapon itself. Its figurative use can suggest violent conflict, intense rivalry, or the threat of force, and it may sound literary or traditional when used in expressions such as “by the sword.”
Easily confused with sword
A sabre is a curved cavalry sword, whereas a sword is the general term for a bladed weapon with a handle.