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

• 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

Yet, the influence the tech giants wield on the market is troubling in the event of a pullback. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025

The Saudis lack the military and strategic capabilities to match Turkey, while Ankara does not possess the financial leverage Riyadh can wield. —Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The British pop-rock star, still wielding oodles of charisma and his signature sandpaper voice, hit the amphitheater as part of his One Last Time Tour, a farewell outing boasting a 1-hour, 45-minute set stocked with hits. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 15 Aug. 2025

When each man first appears — wielding a katana and hitching a ride on a military drone, respectively — their stature alone feels worth the price of admission. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025

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