scissors

American  

[siz-erz] / ˈsɪz ərz /

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a cutting instrument for paper, cloth, etc., consisting of two blades, each having a ring-shaped handle, that are so pivoted together that their sharp edges work one against the other (often used withpair of ).

2. (used with a singular verb) any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.

3. (used with a singular verb) a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.

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scissors British  

/ ˈsɪzəz /

plural noun

1. Also called: pair of scissors.  a cutting instrument used for cloth, hair, etc, having two crossed pivoted blades that cut by a shearing action, with ring-shaped handles at one end

2. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes

3. any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement

4. athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar

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Other Word Forms

• scissor-like adjective

Etymology

Origin of scissors

1350–1400; Middle English cisoures, sisoures < Middle French cisoires < Medieval Latin *cīsōria, plural of Late Latin cīsōrium cutting tool ( chisel ); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle scīssus ), Medieval Latin scīssor tailor

Example Sentences

The spaghetti is then cut with a pair of scissors, making it seem as though the patron is wearing a wig made out of pasta.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

Now he will have to hope United embark on another winning streak before he can get the scissors out.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

The opening finds her futzing over the neckline of her inauguration day blouse before telling the tailors to slice into the fabric with scissors.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

She trims their toenails with a repurposed woodworking tool, styles their fur with a $600 dog blow dryer and clips their coats with $1,000 scissors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

Omakayas’s mother was well known for owning a pair of scissors, and other women were always borrowing them.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich