scissor

American  

[siz-er] / ˈsɪz ər /

verb (used with object)

1. to cut or clip out with scissors.

2. to eliminate or eradicate from a text; expunge.

   testimony scissored from the record.

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verb (used without object)

1. to move one's body or legs like the blades of scissors.

   a gymnast scissoring over the bar.

noun

1. scissors.

scissor British  

/ ˈsɪzə /

noun

1. (modifier) of or relating to scissors

   a scissor blade

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verb

1. to cut (an object) with scissors

Other Word Forms

• unscissored adjective

Etymology

Origin of scissor

First recorded in 1605–15; v. use of singular of scissors

Example Sentences

I had just got off the scissor lift and then you said you were supposed to paint the wall, but got too busy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Pilcher was working last June when one of these recent recruits was electrocuted while working on high-voltage overhead lights, from a scissor lift, without gloves or other required safety equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

And like something from a film script, it was McTominay's spectacular scissor kick against Cagliari on the last day of the season that sent Napoli on their way to winning the title.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2025

Today she reaches the peak of her canvases by riding a scissor lift, which sits behind her worktable, its metal bars speckled with globs of paint in many different colors.

From New York Times • Feb. 29, 2024

While we scissor and paint and paste she walks the aisles in her nurse’s mask, looking over our shoulders.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• carve
• divide
• rip
• slash
• slice