razor
Americannoun
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razors
plural
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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
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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 42-year-old Scituate, Massachusetts, native, who speaks in rapid, upbeat flourishes like he’s selling you a life-changing electric razor, has more than a little Barnum in him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
At Casa Juani, also on Pearl Street, the briny razor clams bring a taste of Spain to the Rockies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026
They constructed elaborate barricades with concrete, sandbags and razor wire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
During the brief return, Jose Luis watered the plants and grabbed his electric razor.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
The area was enclosed by a high brick wall topped with broken glass and razor wire.
From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz
This provides enough electricity to charge phones and run lights, fans and even electric razors, small comforts that have become a luxury for families still living in tents and shelters.
From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026
From razors to soda, private label keeps eating retail.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
But today, Schick’s owner, Edgewell Personal Care, makes razors not only under the Schick name but for Walmart’s Equate private-label brand and Target’s Up & Up line.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026
Research has shown, however, that it can also spread through indirect contact such as shared toothbrushes and razors.
From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2025
“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
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
