verb
Uncommon
wield
weeld
Wield (verb) means to hold and use a tool or weapon skilfully. Example: “She wielded the sword with practised ease.”
verb
1
To hold and use a tool or weapon skilfully.
"She wielded the sword with practised ease."
"He wielded a paintbrush like a true artist."
2
To hold and exercise power or influence.
"The committee wields considerable influence over local policy."
"She wielded her authority carefully and fairly."
How to use wield
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo handle a tool or weapon skilfully, or to hold and use power effectively.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wield a weapon
wield power
wield influence
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like wield.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- wields
- Third person singular
- wields
- Past tense
- wielded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the sword with practised ease.
Etymology
From Old English wealdan ("to rule, control"), from a Germanic root meaning "to rule" — related to the older sense of the word "wield" as "to govern".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for wield
See all rhymes for wield →Frequently asked questions
What does “wield” mean?
The word “wield” means to hold and use a tool or weapon skilfully. In plain terms, to handle a tool or weapon skilfully, or to hold and use power effectively.
How do you pronounce “wield”?
“Wield” is pronounced weeld (/wiːld/ in IPA).
How do you use “wield” in a sentence?
Here is “wield” used in a sentence: “She wielded the sword with practised ease.”
What part of speech is “wield”?
“Wield” is a verb.
Where does the word “wield” come from?
The word “wield” comes from Old English. From Old English wealdan ("to rule, control"), from a Germanic root meaning "to rule" — related to the older sense of the word "wield" as "to govern".
Is “wield” a common word?
“Wield” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wield” have?
“Wield” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold and use a tool or weapon skilfully.
