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

• apply
• exercise
• exert
• ply
• put out

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

One wields a sledgehammer in an unsubtle reference to the destruction of pretty much everything Jaguar once stood for. —Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025

Mayors have often wielded that tool for allies on the council to time retirements strategically so they can be replaced with another friendly face. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

According to Nielsen, Black consumers wield about $1.6 trillion in annual buying power. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025

Even in a deep-blue state, fossil fuel companies wield significant political power. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 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