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

While it has been directed with careful attention to shaping its emotional arc by Tim Jackson, “Two Strangers” might have amplified its charms with a few snips of the scissors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Johnny Depp, making another appearance in this book, plays the title character, “born” with scissors for hands, who comes down from his castle to live with the kindhearted Boggs family.

From Salon

In photographs published online, scissors and a hair band had been discovered in the branches on the jungle floor.

From BBC

As one publicist handed out Altoids and another searched for scissors to open tuxedo jacket pockets, Wood pulled out his phone to blast the Big Tymers’ “Beautiful.”

From Washington Post

Perez makes balloon animals for the audience and plays games like rock, paper, scissors and telephone, but that hardly seems to qualify the work as immersive theater.

From New York Times