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

Hope Davis as Nancy Reagan Hope Davis plays Nancy Reagan, who, beyond her duties as first lady, was one of her husband’s closest confidantes and wielded considerable influence behind the scenes during his presidency. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

With heavy machinery in short supply, a volunteer worker wields a sledgehammer in the search of bodies at the complex. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Oakland police released footage Wednesday of a deadly police shooting in mid-July, when two of its officers opened fire on a man who was wielding knives affixed to long metal poles in the city’s Fruitvale District. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Wolverine chases the kidnappers across the rooftops, battling sword-wielding mercenaries and archers who leave arrows embedded in his body. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 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