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

In this tradition, there is something transcendent or ethereal about the power of music, and about those trained to wield it, who raise the dead and stir the living. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025

Beyond that point, wealth shifts from living well to wielding power. —Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

An unstoppable rushing attack was the primary weapon Philadelphia wielded en route to a Super Bowl title. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Oct. 2025

Trump’s budget director, Russell Vought, wields the scythe. —Lisa Riordan Seville, ProPublica, 17 Oct. 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