scissors
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A cutting instrument with two pivoted blades, operated by squeezing together handles to bring the sharp edges together.
The tool's name also refers to the action performed with it (a scissor-like motion) and, in sports/gymnastics, a cross-legged or crossing movement. It's also used to describe a type of draw in rock-paper-scissors, or metaphorically for opposing forces or strategies that cut or cancel each other out.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Scissors is a plurale tantum; it is always grammatically plural ('these scissors are sharp'). The singular 'scissor' exists only as an attributive form (e.g., scissor kick) or as a verb. The concept inherently involves two opposing, connected blades.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. UK English more readily uses 'a pair of scissors' as the standard singular unit ('Pass me that pair of scissors'), while US English also accepts 'scissors' alone as a countable singular noun ('Pass me the scissors'). Both treat the word as plural in verb agreement.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
The word is equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + scissors: use, wield, operate, snip with, cut withscissors + VERB: cut, snip, slip, open, closeVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Running with scissors (metaphor for dangerous, reckless behaviour)”
- “Paper, rock, scissors (hand game)”
- “Scissors cross (position in tailoring/drawing)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In office or craft supplies: 'We need to order more scissors for the design team.'
Academic
In descriptions of tools, art, or surgery: 'The procedure required microsurgical scissors.'
Everyday
Most common in domestic and craft contexts: 'Can you find the scissors to open this package?'
Technical
Specific types: 'bandage scissors', 'tin snips', 'pinking shears', 'surgical scissors'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The defender managed to scissor the ball away from the attacker.
- She scissored the ribbon neatly in two.
American English
- He scissor-kicked for the touchdown.
- The editor scissored out the irrelevant paragraphs.
adjective
British English
- He executed a perfect scissor jump.
- The gymnast performed a scissor movement on the beam.
American English
- The running back made a scissor cut to evade the tackle.
- It was a scissor-style draw in the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I cut the paper with scissors.
- Where are the scissors? I need to open this.
- Be careful! You shouldn't run with scissors in your hand.
- These kitchen scissors aren't sharp enough to cut the chicken.
- The tailor carefully selected her pinking shears, a specialised type of scissors, to finish the seam.
- The debate felt like being caught in the scissors of two opposing ideologies.
- The surgeon's hands moved deftly, using micro-scissors to dissect the delicate tissue.
- Their investment strategy was scissored by the dual pressures of rising interest rates and market volatility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'SS' in the middle of scissors as the two sharp blades crossing each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSING FORCES CUTTING: Used to describe clashes or divisions that sever connections (e.g., 'the scissors of inflation and recession cut into household budgets').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'ножницы' (nozhnitsy) is also a plurale tantum, so the grammar is similar. The main trap is forgetting the 's' at the end in English.
- Avoid using 'scissor' as a singular count noun (e.g., 'I need a scissor' is incorrect).
Common Mistakes
- Treating it as singular (e.g., 'This scissors is...' instead of 'These scissors are...').
- Misspelling as 'scisors', 'scisorss'.
- Using 'a scissors' instead of 'a pair of scissors' or 'some scissors'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural. You say 'These scissors are sharp,' not 'This scissors is sharp.' To refer to one item, say 'a pair of scissors.'
Not for the tool. 'A scissor' is incorrect for the cutting implement. 'Scissor' is used as a verb or as an adjective before a noun (e.g., scissor kick).
Shears are typically larger, heavier-duty scissors, often for cutting fabric, metal, or in gardening. The distinction is one of size and purpose, not grammar.
It comes from the Latin 'cisoria' (cutting instrument), via Old French 'cisoires'. The 'sc' spelling reflects its Latin root, and the double 's' is part of the standard English pluralisation.