wield
verb
\ ˈwēld
\
\
wielded;
wielding;
wields
Definition of wield
2
: to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively
wield a broom
3a
: 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
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Examples of wield in a Sentence
The man was wielding a gun.
Can he wield a hammer?
He wields a great deal of influence over his students.
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Recent Examples on the Web
The real power is wielded in the GOP primaries, where the NRA has the potential to mount a challenger who will not bend to compromise on gun rights. — Philip Elliott, Time, "Gun Safety Measures Have Momentum Right Now. That May Change Before Congress Comes Back," 12 Aug. 2019 But Hickenlooper and Bullock probably know that former governors, having had the exhilarating experience of wielding executive power, often are unhappy senators. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: For the Democrats, it’s winnowing time," 4 Aug. 2019 But Hickenlooper and Bullock probably know that former governors, having had the exhilarating experience of wielding executive power, often are unhappy senators. — George Will, National Review, "For the Democrats, It’s Winnowing Time," 4 Aug. 2019 Unlike the threats President Trump wielded in a push to secure the deal, McAleenan came with carrots. — Nick Miroff, Washington Post, "Trump officials signed a major immigration deal with Guatemala. Now they’re selling it to Guatemalans.," 1 Aug. 2019 Stories are undeniably powerful, and when wielded negatively their impact results in misinformation and hatred. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, "Latinx is the focus of reinvigorated Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival," 30 July 2019 The lawsuit—and Mississippi’s response to it—shows how these Roberts Court rulings are already being wielded in defense of anti-democratic systems. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Mississippi Quotes John Roberts to Defend Its Racist Election Law," 19 July 2019 Buttigieg is well aware of the influence black pastors wield in South Carolina. — Lacrai Mitchell, CBS News, "Pete Buttigieg courts black church leaders in Bible Belt," 17 July 2019 The way power gets wielded in the city is remarkable. — Christopher Borrelli, chicagotribune.com, "Reagan used her, the country hated her. Decades later, the Welfare Queen of Chicago refuses to go away," 7 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wield.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for wield
wield
verb
English Language Learners Definition of wield
: to hold (something, such as a tool or weapon) in your hands so that you are ready to use it
: to have and use (power, influence, etc.)
See the full definition for wield in the English Language Learners Dictionary
wield
verb
\ ˈwēld
\
\
wielded;
wielding
Kids Definition of wield
1
: to use (as a tool) in an effective way
The knights wielded swords.
2
: exercise entry 2 sense 1
The banker wields great influence.
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