stiletto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, commonly used in fashion and historical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “stiletto” mean?
A thin, high heel on a woman's shoe or a small dagger with a slender blade.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, high heel on a woman's shoe or a small dagger with a slender blade.
Anything resembling such a heel or dagger in shape or function, e.g., a stiletto point or stiletto humor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; both use it similarly for shoes and daggers.
Connotations
In fashion contexts, equally common; in weaponry, might be more technical in AmE.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in BrE fashion discourse, but comparable overall.
Grammar
How to Use “stiletto” in a Sentence
N with stiletto heelsV with a stilettostiletto of [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stiletto” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The critic stilettoed the author's weak arguments in his review.
American English
- Her sharp comments stilettoed through his confidence.
adjective
British English
- She preferred stiletto boots for the evening event.
American English
- The assassin used a stiletto blade for the silent kill.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail and manufacturing, e.g., 'Our new line features stiletto heels.'
Academic
In historical studies of weaponry or fashion history, e.g., 'The stiletto was popular in Renaissance Italy.'
Everyday
Common in conversations about shoes, e.g., 'I love your stilettos!'
Technical
In descriptions of sharp instruments or designs, e.g., 'The tool has a stiletto tip for precision.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stiletto”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stiletto”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stiletto”
- Pronouncing it as /staɪˈlet.oʊ/ instead of /stɪˈlet.əʊ/, or using 'stiletto' to refer to any high heel without the thin shape.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'stiletto' also refers to a type of slender dagger, and can be used metaphorically for anything sharp or penetrating.
In American English, it is pronounced as /stɪˈlɛt.oʊ/.
Yes, but it is rare. As a verb, it means to stab or pierce, often used figuratively, e.g., 'Her words stilettoed his ego.'
Russian speakers should note that in English, 'stiletto' can mean both the dagger and the high heel, whereas in Russian, these are typically separate words: 'стилет' for dagger and 'шпилька' for the heel.
A thin, high heel on a woman's shoe or a small dagger with a slender blade.
Stiletto is usually neutral to formal, commonly used in fashion and historical contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stiletto heels”
- “in stilettos”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'still let go' – if you let go of a stiletto heel, it might poke you, emphasizing its sharpness.
Conceptual Metaphor
Used to describe something sharp, penetrating, or slender, e.g., 'stiletto wit' for sharp humor.
Practice
Quiz
What are the primary meanings of 'stiletto'?