English Reference
Noun

stiletto

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US /stəˈɫɛtoʊ/ UK /stɪlˈɛtəʊ/ stilet·to UK spelling stilettoes, stilettos

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

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


SIMPLE

The detective found a small stiletto hidden in the drawer.

CONTEXTUAL

In many historical novels, the stiletto is depicted as a preferred weapon for assassins due to its ability to bypass armor.

COMPLEX

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.

On stage in London, Grande showed no signs of fragility or poor health - other than a foot injury that required her to swap her trademark stilettos for a succession of knee-high platform boots.

BBC News· 1 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Occasional
Updated