scissors

IPA/ˈsɪzəz/
KK[sˈɪzɚz]IPA/ˈsɪzərz/

scissors — noun

1. A hand tool made of two sharp metal blades that pivot against each other, with f

1.nounA1
Definition

A hand tool made of two sharp metal blades that pivot against each other, with finger holes at the ends, used for cutting paper, fabric, hair, and other thin materials.

Example

Gita used a sharp pair of scissors to cut the wrapping paper.

a pair of scissors — standard form for one item

The kitchen scissors are in the drawer next to the stove.

scissors + plural verb — 'are' not 'is'

Common collocations
  • sharp scissors
  • a pair of scissors
  • cut with scissors
  • kitchen scissors
  • sewing scissors
  • scissors blade
  • scissors handle
Synonyms
  • shears

    larger, stronger scissors for outdoor use like cutting hedges or thick fabric

  • clippers

    tool with a spring mechanism, used mainly for nails or hair trimming

  • snips

    small scissors with short blades for precise craft or metal work

Grammar Patterns

a pair of scissors + singular verb

scissors + plural verb

these/those scissors + plural verb

Usage Note

Scissors is a plural noun. To refer to one item, use 'a pair of scissors' with a singular verb: 'This pair of scissors is very sharp.' Without 'a pair of,' use a plural verb: 'The scissors are on the table.' The phrase 'a scissor' is not standard English.

Common Mistakes

I need a scissors for this project.
I need a pair of scissors for this project.
'scissors' is always plural; use 'a pair of' for a single item.
This scissors is not sharp enough.
These scissors are not sharp enough.
'scissors' takes a plural verb even when referring to one tool.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words refer to cutting tools with two blades, but they differ in size, use, and setting. 'Scissors' is the general everyday term for the standard hand tool used in homes, schools, and offices to cut paper, fabric, or hair. 'Shears' are noticeably larger and stronger than scissors, with long blades designed for heavy-duty cutting such as trimming hedges, cutting thick fabric, or shearing wool. 'Clippers' have a spring-action mechanism and are used for more controlled, smaller cuts — most commonly for fingernails, toenails, or animal fur. 'Snips' are compact scissors with short, strong blades used in crafting and hardware work for cutting metal, plastic, or thin wire. For classroom use, you want scissors; for gardening, use shears; for your nails, reach for clippers; and for cutting a zip tie, snips are best.

shearsclippers ↗snips ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • a pair of scissors
  • a sharp pair of scissors
  • kitchen scissors
  • sewing scissors
  • hairdressing scissors
  • paper scissors
  • cut with scissors

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'scissors' comes from Latin 'caedere' (to cut) combined with 'soror' (sister), reflecting how the two blades are 'sister blades' that work together. It passed through Old French 'cisoires' and Middle English 'sisours' before becoming 'scissors' in Modern English. The spelling with 'sc-' was influenced by Latin 'scindere' (to cut).