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

Formally, the sculpture connects with last year’s performance by way of a standing structure that, in the live event, was PVC piping that was wielded and rose up into a similar position in the end. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Two people received minor injuries after being attacked at a Fort Worth park Friday morning by a man wielding a machete, police said. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

But the reality of who wields influence in the waterway is more nuanced than either side is willing to admit. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

In a long campaign wielding the sword, converting Venezuela to the dollar would stand as his biggest dragon-slaying victory ever. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 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