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Definition of hilt
hilt
/hɪlt/
Plural:hilts
•Past Simple:hilted
•Past Participle:hilted
•Present Participle:hilting
hilt Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
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• noun
1
The maximum extent or degree of something (most frequently encountered in the idiomatic phrase 'to the hilt').
Example
"The startup was heavily leveraged and financially backed to the hilt by external investors."
2
The handle of a sword, dagger, or similar weapon, typically consisting of a grip, guard, and pommel.
Example
"The museum curator carefully examined the intricate gold hilt of the ceremonial dagger."
Synonyms
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View all antonyms for hilt• verb
1
To provide or fit a weapon or tool with a handle.
Example
"The skilled artisan spent weeks meticulously forging and hilting the replica medieval broadsword."
Synonyms
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• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'hilt' or 'hilte', of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse 'hjalt' and Old High German 'helza'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hilt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hilt