plier

[ plahy-er ]

noun

1. pliers, (sometimes used with a singular verb) small pincers with long jaws, for bending wire, holding small objects, etc. (usually used with pair of ).
2. a person or thing that plies. ply.

plier

/ ˈplaɪə /

noun

1. a person who plies a trade

Word History and Origins

Origin of plier¹

First recorded in 1560–70; ply ² + -er 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