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

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scissors

Lisa bought a second-hand jacket online, but snipped the fabric with the scissors when she was opening the package.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

“Please also remind them not to put metal into light sockets, run with scissors, or anything usually avoided with a little common sense,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

According to company lore, a retired Swiss triathlete and Ironman champion named Olivier Bernhard couldn’t find a running shoe that met his needs, so he made one himself with a garden hose, scissors and glue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026

When she took up the oversized, bedazzled pair of scissors to cut the ribbon, two sturdy men made sure they had a firm hold on her.

From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026

Mama placed her scissors back in her sewing box.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

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