razor

American  

[rey-zer] / ˈreɪ zər /

noun

1. a sharp-edged instrument used especially for shaving the face or trimming the hair.

2. an electrically powered instrument used for the same purpose.

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verb (used with object)

1. to shave, cut, or remove with or as if with a razor.

idioms

1. on the razor's edge, in a difficult or precarious position.

razor British  

/ ˈreɪzə /

noun

1. a sharp implement used esp by men for shaving the face

2. in an acute dilemma

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verb

1. (tr) to cut or shave with a razor

razor More Idioms  

1. see sharp as a tack (razor).

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Other Word Forms

• razorless
  adjective
• unrazored
  adjective

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

Townsend's thinking on his starting tighthead against France was razor sharp.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 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

After six years at razor company Gillette, he took a business planning job at Disneyland in 1998.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Yet the margin for error through that stretch, considering USC’s eight losses, is razor thin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026

He laughed, or gave his roar, then opened the medicine cabinet and took down his razor.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• blade
• knife
• shaver