wield

verb

ˈwēld 

wielded; wielding; wields

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

Synonyms of wield

• exert
• use
• apply

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noureldin said the government could wield the lists to analyze who voted for and against candidates, potentially targeting individuals and voting blocs. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

Some supporters of the Wide Awakes’ rebirth have expressed hesitance about its aesthetics, especially the optics of torch-wielding vigilantes marching through the streets. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026

Law-enforcement officers, clad in helmets and flak jackets and wielding long guns, materialized on the stage. —Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, who hails from Torrance, CA, allegedly tried to storm the annual event at the Washington Hilton in the nation’s capital while wielding guns. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

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

Rhymes for wield

• heald
• healed
• heeled
• keeled
• kneeled
• pealed
• peeled
• reeled
• sealed
• shield
• squealed
• steeled

Kids Definition

wield

verb

ˈwē(ə)ld 

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