wield

1 of 2

verb

ˈwēld How to pronounce wield (audio)
wielded; wielding; wields
Synonyms of wield

transitive verb

1
chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage
2
: to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively
wield a broom
3
a
: to exert one's authority by means of
wield influence
b
: to have at one's command or disposal
… did not wield appropriate credentials …—G. W. Bonham
wielder noun

wielder

2 of 2

noun

wield·​er
-də(r)
plural -s
: one that wields (as a weapon or implement)

Synonyms of wield

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Verb

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Examples of wield in a Sentence

Verb The man was wielding a gun. Can he wield a hammer? He wields a great deal of influence over his students.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Portuguese President António José Seguro, whose role is mostly ceremonial but who wields political influence, has convened a Council of State, an advisory body, for a meeting next week to discuss the protests. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 With a combined readership of 75 million at their peak, Hopper and Parsons wielded extraordinary influence — and instilled paralyzing fear. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 Maurice wields his trusty Brownie, Mischa a pipe that lends him a jaunty air of false maturity. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The iconic Overland Park Clock Tower now overlooks the district, where its farmers market welcomes thousands of tote-wielding shoppers. — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wield

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English welden to control, from Old English wieldan; akin to Old High German waltan to rule, Latin valēre to be strong, be worth

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wield was before the 12th century

Rhymes for wield

See All Rhymes for wield

Browse Nearby Words

Wieland
wield
wielder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wield

verb
ˈwē(ə)ld How to pronounce wield (audio)
1
: to put (as a tool) to good use
wield a broom
2
: to use one's authority by means of
wield influence
wielder noun
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