pliers

/ ˈplaɪəz /

plural noun

1. a gripping tool consisting of two hinged arms with usually serrated jaws that close on the workpiece

Word History and Origins

Origin of pliers¹

C16: from ply ¹

Example Sentences

Police said she was cited for carrying a pair of pliers as a burglary tool, resisting arrest and shoplifting before she was released.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those remaining had deep gouging and scratches, which looked like marks left by pliers.

From BBC

But when officers arrived on the scene they learned that a man repeatedly struck another passenger in the chest with a pair of pliers while they were riding on the bus.

From Los Angeles Times

A mother used pliers to remove her six-year-old daughter's teeth as she could not get an appointment with an NHS dentist, an MP has said.

From BBC

With his pliers, the plumber twisted the inner workings of the lock.

From Literature