plural levers
1
: a strong bar that is used to lift and move something heavy
2
: a bar or rod that is used to operate or adjust something on a machine, vehicle, device, etc.
Pull the brake lever.
3
: something used to achieve a desired result
They used their money as a lever to gain political power.
levers; levered; levering
: to lift or move (something) with a lever
He levered the rock out of the hole.
—often used figurativelyThey tried unsuccessfully to lever him out of his job. [=to force him out of his job]
She levered her way into a position of political power.
Cite this Entry
“Lever.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/lever. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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