verb
scissor
SIH-zuh
Scissor (verb) means to cut with, or as if with, scissors. Example: “She scissored the ribbon in half.”
verb
1
To cut with, or as if with, scissors.
"They clipped the beads from her arms and scissored inches from her hair."
— Toni Morrison, A Mercy (2008)
"Network Rail, which had been able to secure funding from a multitude of 'patient capital' players across the world, was brought to heel, its credit card scissored."
— Jim Steer, Rail's route to seizing the initiative (2023)
"She scissored the ribbon in half."
2
To move in a scissor-like motion, especially the legs.
"The runner scissored over the hurdles."
"He scissored his legs as he swam across the pool."
How to use scissor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cut with scissors, or to move something (often the legs) back and forth like a pair of scissors.
Common mistake
The tool itself is almost always called "scissors" (plural); "scissor" as a singular noun is rare outside compounds like "scissor kick."
Common pairings
scissor kick
scissor movement
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- scissors
- Past tense
- scissored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the ribbon in half.
Etymology
From Middle English cysour, altered from an earlier form of "scissors," influenced by the Latin word scindere, "to split."
Frequently asked questions
What does “scissor” mean?
The word “scissor” means to cut with, or as if with, scissors. In plain terms, to cut with scissors, or to move something (often the legs) back and forth like a pair of scissors.
How do you pronounce “scissor”?
“Scissor” is pronounced SIH-zuh (/ˈsɪzɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scissor” in a sentence?
Here is “scissor” used in a sentence: “She scissored the ribbon in half.”
What part of speech is “scissor”?
“Scissor” is a verb.
Where does the word “scissor” come from?
The word “scissor” comes from Latin. From Middle English cysour, altered from an earlier form of "scissors," influenced by the Latin word scindere, "to split.".
How many meanings does “scissor” have?
“Scissor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cut with, or as if with, scissors.
