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

Derived 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 ( see chisel); current spelling by association with Latin scindere to cut (past participle scīssus ), Medieval Latin scīssor tailor

Example Sentences

Beginning with a game of 'rock, paper, scissors' to decide who serves, each match consisted of a single point, with the winner progressing in a knockout format.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Players will play 'rock, paper, scissors' to determine who serves or receives.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

They also simplified the scissors' molecular components so they were easier to use.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2020

I scratched it with my scissors' point, taking every precaution lest anyone—you, my good friends, included—should surprise me.

From Uncle Silas A Tale of Bartram-Haugh by Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan

And she got her finger and thumb well through the holes in the scissors' handles.

From Relics of General Chasse by Trollope, Anthony