verb

scissor

SIH-zuh

Scissor (verb) means to cut with, or as if with, scissors. Example: “She scissored the ribbon in half.”

verb

To cut with, or as if with, scissors.

"She scissored the ribbon in half."

To move in a scissor-like motion, especially the legs.

"He scissored his legs as he swam across the pool."

How to use scissor

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

scissored past tense, scissors singular

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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."

Origin: Latin

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.