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

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scissors

Lisa bought a second-hand jacket online, but snipped the fabric with the scissors when she was opening the package.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

“Please also remind them not to put metal into light sockets, run with scissors, or anything usually avoided with a little common sense,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

When she took up the oversized, bedazzled pair of scissors to cut the ribbon, two sturdy men made sure they had a firm hold on her.

From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026

Recent photos show that the Alca-do is getting to be soccer midfielder long, but there is always the hazard of an Alcaraz sibling showing up at the last minute with scissors and bad ideas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Ellsberg showed Robert the system he’d worked out: after each copy was made, the “Top Secret” stamps at the top and bottom of the page had to be cut off with scissors.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

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