wielded; wielding; wields
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
G. W. Bonham
wielder
noun
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 France, the office of the presidency wields the greatest influence and authority in foreign affairs and national security, but a far-right prime minister would likely seek to erode that dominance.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024
One scene even shows the singer-rapper pair teasing almost-kisses, while another features Del Rey sitting lovingly on her collaborator’s lap on their cottage porch, wielding a guitar.
—Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 3 July 2024
During the civil rights movement, activists wielded it to symbolize their fight for equality and justice.
—Kristina Becvar, Orlando Sentinel, 1 July 2024
But Chevron had long been targeted by conservatives who contend federal bureaucrats wield too much power — and the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority agreed.
—Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for wield 
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024
One scene even shows the singer-rapper pair teasing almost-kisses, while another features Del Rey sitting lovingly on her collaborator’s lap on their cottage porch, wielding a guitar.
—Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 3 July 2024
During the civil rights movement, activists wielded it to symbolize their fight for equality and justice.
—Kristina Becvar, Orlando Sentinel, 1 July 2024
But Chevron had long been targeted by conservatives who contend federal bureaucrats wield too much power — and the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority agreed.
—Rachel Roubein, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for wield
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wield.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near wield
Cite this Entry
“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wield
verb1
: to put (as a tool) to good use
wield a broom
2
: to use one's authority by means of
wield influence
wielder
noun
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