wield
Wield (verb) means to hold and use a tool or weapon skilfully. Example: “She wielded the sword with practised ease.”
How to use wield
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo handle a tool or weapon skilfully, or to hold and use power effectively.
Word forms
wielded past tense, wields plural, wields singular
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
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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.