shears

British  

/ ʃɪəz /

plural noun

1. 1. large scissors, as for cutting cloth, jointing poultry, etc

   2. a large scissor-like and usually hand-held cutting tool with flat blades, as for cutting hedges

2. any of various analogous cutting or clipping implements or machines

3. short for sheerlegs

4. informal (of a sheep) newly shorn

---

Example Sentences

I found the most beautiful, and still-sharp, Japanese sewing shears.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Appearing with a shaved head, Alcaraz said his brother had a mishap with the shears when giving him a trim, leaving him no choice but to opt for a buzz-cut.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

If you don’t sew, don’t worry, she says, “you can cut them with pinking shears or use no-sew iron-on tape.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

As our planet’s atmosphere warms, wind shears — variations in wind direction or speed — within jet streams are increasing and therefore strengthening clear-air turbulence.

From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024

We also brought over a cast-iron frying pan, ten packets of baker’s yeast, pinking shears, the head of a hatchet, a fold-up army latrine spade, and all told a good deal more.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver