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 of wield

• exert
• use
• apply

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

Over the years, Wayne has forged a genuine connection with the Mandalorian's little Force-wielding apprentice (and the puppeteers who operate him), which made telling Grogu to flee the planet without him that much harder. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 May 2026

This enables users to spend more time wielding a stylus without interrupting the creative flow by switching back to a mouse or keyboard to perform tasks. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

The family wielded enormous influence in the region. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

The original Mistborn trilogy is set on the grim planet of Scadrial and framed around a mysterious prophecy and powerful allomancers who can wield metals to perform magic. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 23 May 2026

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