razor
Americannoun
-
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:
During the brief return, Jose Luis watered the plants and grabbed his electric razor.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
Instead of the protective fortification of concrete barriers and razor wire, the National Mall is marked by a sprawling, deliberate openness.
From Salon ● Jul. 4, 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
Early in the race, margins between Hilton and Bianco were razor thin and it looked like both might advance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026
But there is no open here, only razor wire and electric fences, where all our truths are trapped.
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
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
Research has shown, however, that it can also spread through indirect contact such as shared toothbrushes and razors.
From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2025
Procter & Gamble CFO Andre Schulten said Tuesday that the maker of products such as Pampers and Gillette razors is feeling the effects of a more cautious consumer on its sales this quarter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 2, 2025
At his new prison, inmates can buy their own razors and nail clippers from the canteen.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2025
He has a very black beard so that he has to shave twice daily, and he owns one of these electric razors.
From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
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.
