# dirk

/ˈdɝk/ (US) · /dˈɜːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dirk
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. Scottish dagger

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a long, straight knife or dagger that is part of traditional Scottish Highland clothing.

For teachers: a long Scottish dagger with a straight blade, traditionally worn as part of Highland dress.

- The soldier wore a traditional dirk tucked into his belt during the ceremony.
- The historical exhibit featured an ornate eighteenth-century dirk, its hilt carved from dark wood and inlaid with silver.

### 2. naval weapon

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

a small sword or dagger used by sailors in the past or worn by officers for ceremonies.

For teachers: a ceremonial or functional fighting dagger used historically by naval officers and sailors, particularly during boarding actions.

- In the old stories, the pirate drew his dirk during the fight on the ship.
- Midshipmen were historically issued a dirk as a sidearm, a tradition that survives today primarily in ceremonial naval dress uniforms.

## Examples

- He pulled a small dirk from his belt.
- The pirate kept a rusted dirk in his boot for quick defense.
- The museum display featured a silver-hilted dirk, its blade etched with the name of a forgotten naval captain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.