plier

American  

[plahy-er] / ˈplaɪ ər /

especially British, plyer

noun

1. (sometimes used with a singular verb) pliers, small pincers with long jaws, for bending wire, holding small objects, etc. (usually used withpair of ).

2. a person or thing that plies. ply.

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plier British  

/ ˈplaɪə /

noun

1. a person who plies a trade

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Etymology

Origin of plier

First recorded in 1560–70; ply ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Some of those remaining had deep gouging and scratches, which looked like marks left by pliers.

From BBC

With his pliers, the plumber twisted the inner workings of the lock.

From Literature

Border Patrol agents used pliers to cut open a passage through the thickets of barbed wire.

From Los Angeles Times

Conservative MP Steve Brine said hearing about someone in "such pain and distress" that they used pliers to pull out their teeth "demonstrates the crisis in NHS dental services".

From BBC

Keep a box with these essential basics: a tape measure, claw hammer, utility knife, level, crescent wrenches, hex keys, a handsaw, pliers, multiple screwdrivers and a collection of screws and nails.

From Seattle Times