razor
Americannoun
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a sharp-edged instrument used especially for shaving the face or trimming the hair.
-
an electrically powered instrument used for the same purpose.
verb (used with object)
idioms
noun
-
a sharp implement used esp by men for shaving the face
-
in an acute dilemma
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of razor
1250–1300; Middle English rasour < Old French rasor, equivalent to ras ( er ) to raze + -or -or 2
Explanation
If you need to shave, you'll want to use a razor. It's a tool that's made for removing unwanted hair. There are straight razors (the old-fashioned kind that barbers sometimes use), safety razors for shaving faces and legs, and electric razors that use spinning blades to trim beards or shave heads. A hair stylist also might use razor as a verb: "Let me just razor the ends and we'll be done!" Razor comes from the Old French raser, "to scrape."
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.
See Examples For:
The body may be slower but the brain remains razor sharp.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
The Zvërnec project is still in the planning phase—the fencing and razor wire have come down—and the developers are working on an environmental-impact statement for authorities to review.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026
Aiello has monitored GPS-collared sheep — less than 10% of the population — to see how they’d respond to the razor wire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026
Once a symbol of cooperation, the 'Friendship Bridge' connecting the two snow-covered banks has been reinforced with rows of razor wire and anti-tank obstacles.
From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026
With much delight, Zooey wet his razor and began to shave.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
Procter & Gamble declined 1.4% after the owner of brands such as Gilette razors and Crest toothpaste posted softer-than-expected revenue for its fiscal second quarter.
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
Americans’ monthlong exercises in restraint have been known to affect sales of everything from razors in November to alcohol at the beginning of the year and snacks as some take on a one-month sugar detox.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 21, 2026
At his new prison, inmates can buy their own razors and nail clippers from the canteen.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2025
The corporation also filed for trademark protection in more than 20 product categories, including milk, coffee, soup, pasta, and water, as well as household products such as razors and cleaners.
From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2024
“I think it would be unsafe to rush too soon into any activity where razors are involved.”
From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood
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.
