scissors
Americannoun
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(used with a singular or plural verb) a cutting instrument for paper, cloth, etc., consisting of two blades, each having a ring-shaped handle, that are so pivoted together that their sharp edges work one against the other (often used withpair of ).
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(used with a singular verb) any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.
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(used with a singular verb) a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.
plural noun
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Also called: pair of scissors. a cutting instrument used for cloth, hair, etc, having two crossed pivoted blades that cut by a shearing action, with ring-shaped handles at one end
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a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes
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any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement
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athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of scissors
1350–1400; Middle English cisoures, sisoures < Middle French cisoires < Medieval Latin *cīsōria, plural of Late Latin cīsōrium cutting tool ( see chisel); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle scīssus ), Medieval Latin scīssor tailor
Vocabulary lists containing scissors
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Consumption can't recover until property does," Derek Scissors, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told AFP.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
Running With Scissors, the publisher behind the Postal shooter franchise, pulled a forthcoming game after critics said it had used AI-generated graphics.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
Derek Scissors, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who focuses on Asian economies, is among the analysts expecting another U.S.-China deal in the near term.
From MarketWatch • Oct. 22, 2025
Appropriately, the image is titled "Scissors," and Halsey cuts it up well.
From Salon • Oct. 15, 2024
“How about we Rock Paper Scissors to decide?”
From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
