scissor

1 of 2

noun

scis·​sor ˈsi-zər How to pronounce scissor (audio)
Synonyms of scissornext

scissor

2 of 2

verb

scissored; scissoring ˈsi-zə-riŋ How to pronounce scissor (audio)
ˈsiz-riŋ

transitive verb

: to cut, cut up, or cut off with scissors or shears
scissored the paper into strips

Examples of scissor in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The experimental treatment would use CRISPR, a gene-editing tool likened to biological scissors, to make precise cuts in the DNA to turn off a liver gene that prevents lipids — fatty substances including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides — from being cleared from the blood. David Cox, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026 There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony a couple of hours before the game, gigantic scissors slicing a pink ribbon. Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
The most dutiful of sons, Father wrote many long letters to his parents, some of which arrived scissored into scraps by military censors. Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026 Whitney points out as much, though not quite as articulately, by making a scissoring gesture with her hands. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scissor

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scissor was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scissor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scissor. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

scissor

1 of 2 noun
scis·​sor ˈsiz-ər How to pronounce scissor (audio)

scissor

2 of 2 verb
scissored; scissoring -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce scissor (audio)
: to cut with scissors or shears
scissored the paper into strips

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