Langimage
English

stiletto

|sti/let/to|

B2

🇺🇸

/stəˈlɛtoʊ/

🇬🇧

/stɪˈletəʊ/

slender, pointed

Etymology
Etymology Information

'stiletto' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'stiletto,' where 'stilus' meant 'a pointed instrument.'

Historical Evolution

'stiletto' changed from the Italian word 'stiletto' and eventually became the modern English word 'stiletto.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a pointed instrument or dagger,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'a type of high-heeled shoe.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small dagger with a slender, tapering blade.

The assassin carried a stiletto hidden in his cloak.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a type of high-heeled shoe with a long, thin heel.

She wore a pair of red stilettos to the party.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35