# stiletto

/stəˈɫɛtoʊ/ (US) · /stɪlˈɛtəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stiletto
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a very thin, sharp knife with a pointed tip. It was used in the past for fighting or as a hidden weapon.

For teachers: a slender, pointed dagger with a blade of uniform width and a sharp, tapering point. Historically used as a concealed weapon or for dueling.

## Examples

- The detective found a small stiletto hidden in the drawer.
- In many historical novels, the stiletto is depicted as a preferred weapon for assassins due to its ability to bypass armor.
- The museum's collection includes a beautifully crafted stiletto from the Renaissance period, featuring a steel blade and an ornate hilt designed for both concealment and precision.

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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.