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

On Friday he left his scissors, to open the centre, in his car.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

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

“The cost scissors between rising compliance cost and constrained revenue growth will persist,” the analysts add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Just this week, the northern Kano state said it had ordered an investigation into the death of a woman four months after doctors left a pair of scissors in her stomach following surgery.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

Owen threw scissors, and George smashed them with a rock.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz