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plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: a cutting instrument having two blades whose cutting edges slide past each other
2
a
: a gymnastic feat in which the leg movements suggest the opening and closing of scissors
b
Examples of scissors in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When veneering over the miter joints at the upper corners of the bookcase, trim the veneer to 45 degrees with scissors.
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 24 Jan. 2023
Just note that, as with other jute options, shedding is normal: make sure to trim any loose fibers with scissors, and keep the rug (and the area under it) clean by vacuuming on a regular basis.
—Lily Sperry, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2022
Colored leathers and threads on spools line the walls, and each work station has a small bag with the scissors, paint brushes, sewing kits and detailing tools the artisans use.
—Dallas News, 14 Oct. 2022
Cut bacon slices into 1-inch pieces (easiest with scissors).
—Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2022
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English cisours, sisoures, from Middle French cisoires, from Vulgar Latin *caesorium (singular) cutting instrument, from Latin caedere to cut
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of scissors was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing scissors
Dictionary Entries Near scissors
Cite this Entry
“Scissors.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scissors. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
scissors
singular or plural noun
scis·sors
ˈsiz-ərz
1
: a cutting instrument having two blades whose cutting edges slide past each other
2
: a gymnastic feat in which the leg movements suggest the opening and closing of scissors
Medical Definition
scissors
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
scis·sors
ˈsiz-ərz
: a cutting instrument having two blades whose cutting edges slide past each other
More from Merriam-Webster on scissors
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scissors
Nglish: Translation of scissors for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scissors for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scissors
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