# sword

/ˈsɔɹd/ (US) · /sˈɔːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sword
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the weapon

noun · CEFR B1

a weapon with a long, sharp metal blade and a handle, used for cutting or stabbing.

For teachers: a weapon consisting of a long metal blade fixed into a hilt, used for striking or thrusting.

- The knight drew his sword from its cover and prepared for the fight.
- The museum's collection includes a ceremonial sword with an ivory hilt and a blade forged from high-carbon steel.

### 2. military force

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the use of force or war to achieve something.

For teachers: the use of military power or violence as a means of coercion or destruction.

- The king decided to settle the argument by the sword.
- The historian argued that the empire was won by the sword but maintained through sophisticated bureaucracy and trade.

### 3. playing cards

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

one of the four groups of cards in certain decks, often used for telling the future.

For teachers: a suit in specific playing card decks, such as the Spanish or Italian decks, or in tarot cards used for divination.

- She turned over the three of swords during the card reading.
- In traditional tarot iconography, the suit of swords is frequently associated with the element of air and the challenges of the intellect.

## Examples

- The knight pulled his sword from its cover.
- Museum visitors can see a collection of ancient swords used by soldiers during the medieval period.
- The ceremonial sword, though beautifully decorated with gold and jewels, was far too heavy and unbalanced to be used effectively in actual combat.

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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.