plier

[ plahy-er ]

noun

1. pliers, (sometimes used with a singular verb) small pincers with long jaws, for bending wire, holding small objects, etc. (usually used with pair of ).
2. a person or thing that plies. ply.

plier

/ ˈplaɪə /

noun

1. a person who plies a trade

Word History and Origins

Origin of plier¹

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

Example Sentences

The socket set alone is worth the price, but you also get the pliers, screw drivers, wrenches, and clamps everyone needs.

From Popular-Science

In 1975, a young engineer named Tim Leatherman came up with an idea for a pair of pliers that would fit in your pocket.

From Outside Online

Containing all its tools inside the handle—unlike more modern Leathermans, you have to open the pliers to access them—the Bond doesn’t snag on pockets.

From Outside Online

Many bends can be straightened with hefty pliers, and you can grind down jagged burrs with a metal file.

From Popular-Science

Spare links cost $5 to $15 each, snap-link pliers are $16, and these reusable links from Wipperman cost between $10 and $23.

From Outside Online

A meeting of the plier manufacturers of the country was called and the question was put before them.

From Project Gutenberg

Some French writer says, "Qu'il faut plier les grandes ailes de l'loquence pour entrer dans un salon."

From Project Gutenberg

Another use of this plier, also indicated, is to bend over the ends of the split pin in order to prevent it from falling out.

From Project Gutenberg

Wet the spokes well and with a plier press them hard and turn them up.

From Project Gutenberg

Wet the spokes again and with the plier press the spokes well and bend them outward for a slight flare.

From Project Gutenberg