razor wire

noun

: coiled wire fitted with sharp razor edges and used as an obstacle or barrier

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web At one popular crossing spot along the Rio Grande, members of the Texas Army National Guard lined the riverbank with razor wire this week as a deterrent, and were standing watch next to their Humvees. Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2022 The containers are doubly stacked and topped with razor wire in a high-profile gesture to back up his criticism of the Biden administration's immigration policy. Harold Maass, The Week, 12 Dec. 2022 In a dusty neighborhood on the outskirts of Qatar's capital, guards stand duty at a gated compound ringed with razor wire, carefully checking passports and permits before allowing anyone inside. CBS News, 5 Dec. 2022 The writers’ words also flit over the razor wire, informing Americans about larger issues inside the U.S. criminal justice system. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Feb. 2023 As the razor wire went up in Arizona, one City Council passed a resolution condemning it and called on the federal government to remove it. San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 2022 The journey left her legs bloodied, cut by the razor wire placed throughout the airport for security. Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2022 For another thing, the resort is surrounded by high fencing topped by razor wire, ostensibly to protect the guests from encroachment by the lawless, impoverished populace, but also to keep guests inside. Michael O'sullivan, Washington Post, 25 Jan. 2023 The dog's hind legs were almost caught by the razor wire. Melissa Montoya, Peoplemag, 4 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'razor wire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of razor wire was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near razor wire

Cite this Entry

“Razor wire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/razor%20wire. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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