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

Flashbacks reveal that after Brenner kidnapped Eleven as a baby, a gun-wielding Terry went to Hawkins Lab to rescue her. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025

Sanders, known for his active role in pushing socialist-style policies in the left-wing faction of the Democratic Party, also expressed concerns that, without proper management, AI will be another tool that powerful corporations will wield at the expense of workers. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Nov. 2025

Lee gladly accepted Rozz’s challenge and drew a near-replica of Eddie wielding a bloody scalpel, just like the cover of Killers. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025

It was approved by a 13-0 vote, with Russia and China -- both of whom wield veto power at the council -- abstaining. —David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Nov. 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