Word
stiletto
Phoneticsstilet·to
US/stəˈɫɛtoʊ/
UK/stɪlˈɛtəʊ/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“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.” “To put that in perspective, that is the same as balancing 3,000 adult African elephants on a single stiletto heel.” “Well, there's the obvious moral decrepitude of roaming the earth in mink and stilettos while your countryfolk starve.” - 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/stiletto