Word
hilt
US/ˈhɪɫt/
UK/hˈɪlt/
Definition
n. the handle of a sword or knife. It is the part you hold to use the weapon.
n. the handle of a sword, dagger, or similar weapon. Often refers to the specific part designed for gripping and controlling the blade.
Examples
“He tightened the grip on the hilt of his sword.”
“The knight inspected the hilt of his blade for any signs of wear before the tournament began.”
“The artisan spent months carving intricate patterns into the hilt of the ceremonial dagger, ensuring that the weight was perfectly balanced for the performer's hand.”
Examples
simple
“He tightened the grip on the hilt of his sword.”
contextual
“The knight inspected the hilt of his blade for any signs of wear before the tournament began.”
complex
“The artisan spent months carving intricate patterns into the hilt of the ceremonial dagger, ensuring that the weight was perfectly balanced for the performer's hand.”
Etymology
From Middle English hilt, hilte, from Old English hilt, hilte, from Proto-Germanic heltą, heltǭ, heltō, hiltijō, (compare Old Norse hjalt, Old High German helza, Old Saxon helta), from Proto-Indo-European *kel- (“to strike, cut”) (see holt).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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