pliers
noun
pli·ers ˈplī(-ə)rz 
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a small pincers for holding small objects or for bending and cutting wire
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Firmly grip both sides of the cap with the pliers and gently wiggle the cap back and forth while pulling it down to remove the cap from the hinge. 
Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2022 After killing the vampires (there were two) in the inconspicuous Valley home, Bud yanks their fangs out with pliers. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Aug. 2022 Some of the girls also built birdhouses and a greenhouse, and every camper went home with a free Milwaukee Tool kit containing a power drill, screwdrivers, a hammer and pliers for tackling projects at home, Ritchie said. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2022 This is done with hacksaws and pliers in workshops. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Aug. 2022 Other choices of Sheridan’s are more immediate and vivid, such as a shot of Bailey pulling out one of his own teeth with a pliers that is paired with a discussion of the French court’s description of him as borderline psychotic. Mike Hale, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2022 Utah wildlife managers say anglers should try to quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers, and use wet hands when handling the fish. Jessica Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 July 2022 The two got their hands on an anvil, a mechanic’s hammer, and some pliers and watched some YouTube videos. Devorah Lev-tov, Robb Report, 25 July 2022 Most basic home maintenance tasks can be handled with an Allen wrench, a box cutter, five-in-one painter’s tool, adjustable wrench, pliers, tape measure, screw driver set, hammer and power drill. oregonlive, 15 May 2022 See More
Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2022 After killing the vampires (there were two) in the inconspicuous Valley home, Bud yanks their fangs out with pliers. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Aug. 2022 Some of the girls also built birdhouses and a greenhouse, and every camper went home with a free Milwaukee Tool kit containing a power drill, screwdrivers, a hammer and pliers for tackling projects at home, Ritchie said. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2022 This is done with hacksaws and pliers in workshops. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Aug. 2022 Other choices of Sheridan’s are more immediate and vivid, such as a shot of Bailey pulling out one of his own teeth with a pliers that is paired with a discussion of the French court’s description of him as borderline psychotic. Mike Hale, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2022 Utah wildlife managers say anglers should try to quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers, and use wet hands when handling the fish. Jessica Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 July 2022 The two got their hands on an anvil, a mechanic’s hammer, and some pliers and watched some YouTube videos. Devorah Lev-tov, Robb Report, 25 July 2022 Most basic home maintenance tasks can be handled with an Allen wrench, a box cutter, five-in-one painter’s tool, adjustable wrench, pliers, tape measure, screw driver set, hammer and power drill. oregonlive, 15 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
ply entry 3 (in sense "to bend") + -ers (plural of -er entry 2)
First Known Use
1565, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing pliers
Kids Definition
pliers
noun plural
pli·ers ˈplī-ərz
: small pincers with long jaws used for bending or cutting wire or handling small things