Word
pliers
Phoneticspli·ers, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫaɪɝz/
UK/plˈaɪəz/
Definition
n. a tool with two metal jaws that you squeeze together to hold or cut things. You use it for fixing things or working with small parts.
n. a hand tool consisting of two pivoted jaws used for gripping, cutting, or bending materials. Often used in mechanical or electrical repair contexts.
Examples
“I need a pair of pliers to fix the broken wire.”
“The mechanic used pliers to remove the old bolts from the engine before installing the new parts.”
“Precision pliers are essential for assembling delicate electronic components, as they allow for a firm grip without damaging the sensitive circuitry.”
Examples
simple
“I need a pair of pliers to fix the broken wire.”
contextual
“The mechanic used pliers to remove the old bolts from the engine before installing the new parts.”
complex
“Precision pliers are essential for assembling delicate electronic components, as they allow for a firm grip without damaging the sensitive circuitry.”
Etymology
From ply (“to bend”) + -er + -s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/pliers