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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indeed, oil and gas companies still wield huge influence. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 As South Korea’s primary security partner and longtime political patron—and running neck and neck with China to be South Korea’s biggest export market—the United States wields an informal veto. Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 After Gregg’s column outlined the situation and the broad discretion that school officials wielded in approving or denying transfer applications, the decision was overturned by the Department of Education, allowing Smith and Wells to play varsity basketball at their new school. Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Dec. 2024 Royal treasures The monarchs who commanded ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, medieval England and other realms wield much fascination for historians and the public alike. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wield 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wield was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wield

Cite this Entry

“Wield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wield. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

More from Merriam-Webster on wield

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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