scissors

American  

[siz-erz] / ˈsɪz ərz /

noun

1. (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 ).

2. (used with a singular verb) any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.

3. (used with a singular verb) a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.

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scissors British  

/ ˈsɪzəz /

plural noun

1. 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

2. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes

3. any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement

4. athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar

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Other Word Forms

• scissor-like adjective

Etymology

Origin of scissors

1350–1400; Middle English cisoures, sisoures < Middle French cisoires < Medieval Latin *cīsōria, plural of Late Latin cīsōrium cutting tool ( chisel ); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle scīssus ), Medieval Latin scīssor tailor

Example Sentences

Some of the prisoners had brought scissors from Vught: everywhere beneath the huge tent women were cutting one another’s hair.

From Literature

The room had a cavernous feeling despite the windows behind the desk—which was well-ordered with a blotter, a lamp, a telephone, and a wire basket of papers weighed down by a pair of scissors.

From Literature

On Friday he left his scissors, to open the centre, in his car.

From BBC

“Yes, I am interested in education and I would like to know something about methods in the other world. Spelling, for example. How does my grandmother now spell the word ‘scissors’?”

From Literature

Spreading the sack out on the counter, Grandpa took a pair of scissors and started cutting long strips, about two inches wide, from the soft material.

From Literature