razor wire

American  

noun

1. concertina wire.

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razor wire British  

noun

1. strong wire with pieces of sharp metal set across it at close intervals, used to make fences or barriers

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Compare meaning

How does razor-wire compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• razor wire vs. barbed wire

Example Sentences

Long ditches lined with coils of razor wire and concrete pyramids known as dragon’s teeth await Russia’s increasingly rare armored attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 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

It glitters from a distance: Where the 30-foot steel border fence ends, great spirals of razor wire extend up craggy mountain slopes on either side.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

It looks like a spaceship has landed on the North Yorkshire moors, surrounded by sheep, an electrified perimeter fence and razor wire.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025

Moss blinked to adjust his eyes; he was next to a tall gray building, just beyond a chain-link fence with razor wire curled around the top.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro