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

These and other existential questions speak to the outsized impact that AI will wield. —Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

His most admirable characters rebel against the bureaucratic and corporate systems that wield human beings as tools. —Rav Grewal-Kök june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025

In the wake of Mattel's massive success with Barbie, Masters of the Universe is now set at Amazon MGM Studios, with Galitzine wielding the Power Sword. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 June 2025

Oprah Winfrey, Connie Chung, and Bette Midler offer telling recollections of the subtle ways that Walters wielded her power. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 June 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