wield

1 of 2

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

wielder

2 of 2

noun

wield·​er

-də(r)

plural -s

: one that wields (as a weapon or implement)

Synonyms of wield

Verb

• exert
• use
• apply

Examples of wield in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Second, the countries involved in imbalanced trade can take action to push adjustment costs onto others, but their success depends largely on economic power and their ability to wield it. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

The nearly two-minute spot depicts a club-wielding bureaucrat chasing and tripping a child on a bike and another stealing a boy’s scooter. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

According to the witness, the driver then wielded a knife and reportedly chased the man, who fought the woman. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

After fleeing the car, Rodriguez then stabbed a garbage collector while wielding a large kitchen knife, authorities claimed in court records. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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