# morningstar

/ˈmɔɹnɪŋˌstɑɹ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/morningstar
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

an old weapon with a heavy ball covered in sharp spikes on a short handle. Soldiers used it long ago in close fighting to hit through armour.

For teachers: a blunt close-combat weapon with a heavy spiked head mounted on a shaft or short chain. Developed for use against armoured opponents in medieval warfare.

## Examples

- The soldier carries a heavy morningstar for close fighting.
- The museum guide shows how a medieval fighter swings a morningstar to break through armour.
- Conservators study the corroded morningstar to understand how blacksmiths joined its spiked head to the shaft without weakening the iron.

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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.