: a rigid piece that transmits and modifies force or motion when forces are applied at two points and it turns about a third
specifically: a rigid bar used to exert a pressure or sustain a weight at one point of its length by the application of a force at a second and turning at a third on a fulcrum
b
: a projecting piece by which a mechanism (see mechanismsense 1) is operated or adjusted
Noun
They used their money as a lever to gain political power. Verb
He levered the rock out of the hole.
the workers used crowbars to lever the heavy stone block into its new position
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 suspension at the front made for less of a bone-shaking trek, and the 9-speed gearset proved very useful indeed, as did Tektro levers for coming to a halt.—New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025 The essential dilemma is that there are no quick or simple fixes for making millions of older homes fire-safe—and few levers for forcing owners to take on the challenge.—Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
The drop was exacerbated by a large number of traders who were highly levered, borrowing money to increase the size of their bets.—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 In addition to water that irrigated the crops, water supply was raised from the Nile and its waterways by means of the shaduf, a levering device with a long pole, until after the pharaonic period when the Persian Wheel or saqia arrived, typically turned by a pair of oxen.—Vanessa Taylor, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lever
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French levier, lever, from lever to raise, from Latin levare, from levis light in weight — more at light
: a stiff bar for applying a force (as for lifting a weight) at one point of its length by effort at a second point and turning at a third point on a fulcrum
Middle English lever "bar for prying," from early French levier (same meaning), from lever (verb) "to raise," from Latin levare "to raise" — related to elevate
Share