scissors

[ siz-erz ]

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 with pair of ).
2. (used with a singular verb) Gymnastics. any of several feats in which the legs execute a scissorlike motion.
3. (used with a singular verb) Wrestling. a hold secured by clasping the legs around the body or head of the opponent.

scissors

/ ˈsɪzəz /

plural noun

1. Also calledpair 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

Derived Forms

• ˈscissor-ˌlike, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors¹

C14 sisoures, from Old French cisoires, from Vulgar Latin cīsōria (unattested), ultimately from Latin caedere to cut; see chisel

Example Sentences

Ms Carberry KC asked him: “Do you remember cutting her clothes with scissors?”

From BBC

I use kitchen scissors to cut the oysters at least in half before adding them to the soup.

From Salon

“They didn’t even have basic supplies, like the scissors you would use to cut an umbilical cord. They were using a razor blade, you know?”

From Salon

They opened the sealed drums using a pair of scissors, upon which a rain of banknotes fell out.

From BBC

The two share a luxury apartment just minutes from team facilities and kept it civil when deciding who got the bigger bedroom, settling it with a game of rock, paper, scissors.

From Los Angeles Times