scissors
Americannoun
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(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 ).
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(used with a singular verb) any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.
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(used with a singular verb) a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.
plural noun
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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
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a wrestling hold in which a wrestler wraps his legs round his opponent's body or head, locks his feet together, and squeezes
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any gymnastic or athletic feat in which the legs cross and uncross in a scissor-like movement
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athletics a technique in high-jumping, now little used, in which the legs perform a scissor-like movement in clearing the bar
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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
Vocabulary lists containing scissors
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.
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
And she got her finger and thumb well through the holes in the scissors' handles.
From Relics of General Chasse by Trollope, Anthony
Within the lid of the box, I carefully graved with my scissors' point certain initials.
From Villette by Brontë, Charlotte
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.
