vise
2 synonyms for vise, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tool with two jaws tightened by a screw or lever, used to hold an object firmly in place while it is worked on.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
bench vise
How to use vise
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a vise grip
clamp in a vise
Etymology
From Old French vis, "screw," ultimately from Latin vitis, "vine" — likely referencing the spiral shape of a screw thread.
Full origin of vise →Frequently asked questions
What does “vise” mean?
The word “vise” means a tool with two jaws tightened by a screw or lever, used to hold an object firmly in place while it is worked on. In plain terms, a clamping tool used in workshops, or, figuratively, a tight, restrictive situation.
How do you pronounce “vise”?
“Vise” is pronounced vys (/vaɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “vise” in a sentence?
Here is “vise” used in a sentence: “He clamped the wood in a vise before sawing it.”
What part of speech is “vise”?
“Vise” is a noun.
Where does the word “vise” come from?
The word “vise” comes from Latin. From Old French vis, "screw," ultimately from Latin vitis, "vine" — likely referencing the spiral shape of a screw thread.
How many meanings does “vise” have?
“Vise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tool with two jaws tightened by a screw or lever, used to hold an object firmly in place while it is worked on.
