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

The quiet family neighborhood is shaken up after Thursday's knife-wielding incident. —Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 4 May 2026

Available now, just in time for Star Wars day, this Lego Star Wars Yoda bust shows him in his Clone Wars days, wielding a green lightsaber, ready to kick Separatist bottom. —Chris McMullen, Space.com, 3 May 2026

Communism wields big influence in countries such as China, Vietnam, North Korea and Cuba, where governments play a central role in providing goods and services. —ABC News, 2 May 2026

The demolition at the convent came days after images of an Israeli soldier wielding an ax against a fallen statue of Jesus on the cross in the southern Lebanese village of Debel sparked widespread condemnation, in Lebanon and internationally. —Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 2 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