broadsword: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialist/Low-Frequency)Formal/Literary/Technical; used in historical, military, and fantasy contexts.
Quick answer
What does “broadsword” mean?
A large, heavy sword with a broad, flat, double-edged blade, designed for cutting rather than thrusting, typically used in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, heavy sword with a broad, flat, double-edged blade, designed for cutting rather than thrusting, typically used in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Often used more broadly in modern contexts (e.g., fantasy, historical fiction) to refer to a classic, non-specialised medieval-style sword wielded with one or two hands.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, evokes historical warfare, chivalry, knights, or fantasy adventurers.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, found in similar specialist genres.
Grammar
How to Use “broadsword” in a Sentence
[Subject] wielded/brandished a broadsword.The broadsword [verb of action] cleaved/shivered/slashed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broadsword” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) He attempted to broadsword his way through the line.
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) The character can broadsword opponents in the game.
adverb
British English
- (Nonexistent standard usage)
American English
- (Nonexistent standard usage)
adjective
British English
- (Extremely rare) He favoured a broadsword technique.
American English
- (Extremely rare) The broadsword combat style was exhausting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or medieval studies texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used when discussing history, movies, or games.
Technical
Used in historical arms and armour classification, re-enactment, and fantasy gaming guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broadsword”
- Using 'broadsword' to refer to any large fantasy sword (like a 'bastard sword' or 'greatsword') without precision.
- Pronouncing it as /broʊdswɔːrd/ (like 'broad' in 'broadcast'); the first part is /brɔːd/.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He broadsworded his enemy' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern casual usage, often yes. Technically, 'longsword' is a more general term for a longer medieval sword, often used two-handed. 'Broadsword' specifically emphasises blade width and is often (but not always) associated with one-handed use with a shield.
The classic image of a knight's sword aligns with what we now often call a broadsword or arming sword—a straight, double-edged cutting sword used from horseback or foot. However, the term 'broadsword' itself came into use later.
Outside of historical or fantasy discussion, it's almost never used. You would not use it metaphorically in business or politics like you might 'dagger' or 'sword'.
In historical terms, the opposite in blade geometry and fighting style is the 'smallsword' or 'rapier'—a light, slender thrusting sword for duelling, common in the 17th-18th centuries.
A large, heavy sword with a broad, flat, double-edged blade, designed for cutting rather than thrusting, typically used in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Broadsword is usually formal/literary/technical; used in historical, military, and fantasy contexts. in register.
Broadsword: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdsɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdsɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To live by the broadsword (to live by violence or martial prowess).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BROAD, wide blade on a SWORD. It's not a thin rapier; it's broad.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRUTAL FORCE/HONOURABLE COMBAT: A broadsword is often a metaphor for direct, powerful, and honorable (if violent) action, as opposed to the deceit or finesse of a dagger or poison.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a key characteristic of a classic broadsword?