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

None wielded that weapon more skillfully than the victims and enemies of slavery. — Brian Delay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026

These songs spoke truth to power and demonstrated how people can wield traditional music to spotlight the economic anxieties of the working class. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Set at Kal Asterock, an elite school for students who wield a magical energy called Tama, Key joins goalkeeper Ssyelle on a scrappy new team to challenge the school champions. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026

Instead, the guy talks to dead barkeeps and wields an ax more than his typewriter. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 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