Definition

Noun: A stiletto heel is a very high, thin, and sharply pointed heel on a woman's shoe. It is characterized by its dramatic height and narrow diameter, which tapers to a very small point of contact with the ground.

Usage

The term "stiletto heel" is used to describe the specific style of the heel itself. It is a countable noun. * She bought a pair of shoes with classic stiletto heels. * The stiletto heel on her boot snapped when she caught it in a grate. * Walking confidently in stiletto heels requires practice.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe the type of shoe: "stiletto-heel pumps" or "stiletto-heeled shoes."
• In fashion and cultural commentary, "the stiletto" is often used as a shorthand metonym for a shoe with such a heel.
  • The power of the stiletto in corporate fashion is well-documented.

Variants and Related Words

• Stiletto (noun): When used alone in a fashion context, it commonly refers to a shoe with a stiletto heel. (e.g., "She wore black stilettos.")
• Stiletto-heeled (adjective): Describing a shoe that has a stiletto heel.
• Spike heel (noun): A very similar term, often used interchangeably with "stiletto heel," though some purists argue a spike may be slightly thinner.

Synonyms

• Spike heel
• High heel (though this is a broader category that includes thicker heels like block heels)

Antonyms

• Flat heel
• Wedge heel
• Block heel
• Kitten heel (a short, slender heel)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (To be) in stilettos / (To be) wearing stilettos: A phrase indicating someone is wearing such shoes, often implying a certain level of formality, style, or perceived power/difficulty.
  • She navigated the cobblestone streets in stilettos.
• Stiletto diplomacy: A metaphorical phrase (not a common idiom) that could be coined to describe using fashion, allure, or a sharp, pointed (metaphorical) approach in negotiations or social situations.

Noun

1. a very high narrow heel on women's shoes