What does tweezer mean?
A tweezer is a small precision tool with two pointed arms joined at one end, designed for gripping or manipulating delicate objects. Tweezers are widely used in personal grooming, for example to remove splinters, eyebrows, or eyelashes, and in electronics, crafts, laboratory work, and other situations where fingers are too broad or imprecise. The plural "tweezers" is much more common than the singular "tweezer," although both forms are accepted. The word can also be used as a verb, as in "she tweezered out the splinter," but this use is less formal and less frequent than the noun. Related instruments such as forceps and pincers may perform similar functions, though tweezers are usually smaller and intended for light, delicate work. Its familiar plural ending reflects an older English word whose history also included spelling variants and related verb forms.
A small hand tool with two pointed arms joined at one end, used for gripping, lifting, or adjusting small or delicate objects.
"He held the tiny wire with a tweezer while soldering it in place."
The plural "tweezers" is more common than the singular when referring to the tool generally; "a pair of tweezers" is especially idiomatic.
To use tweezers to remove, place, or manipulate something.
"The nurse tweezered the tiny piece of glass from the wound."
This verb use is relatively uncommon and is most natural when the action involves fine or precise manipulation.
The plural is the usual form when referring to the instrument generally; a singular "tweezer" is also valid when discussing one individual tool.
"The technician carefully placed the component with a pair of tweezers."
The singular "tweezer" is perfectly valid, but English speakers almost always reach for the plural "tweezers"—because the tool itself works like two fingers in a pair.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tweezer come from?
The word descends from older English forms such as "tweese" and "tweeze," used for the small gripping instrument and related actions. Older spellings including "tweez" reflect the same historical root, in which the tool was associated with taking hold of or pulling small things. The modern noun developed as the singular form "tweezer," while "tweezers" became the conventional plural.
Related word forms
How tweezer is actually used
"Tweezers" is the usual everyday form when referring to the instrument, especially in instructions such as "a pair of tweezers." The singular "a tweezer" is also standard but less frequent. As a verb, "tweezer" is relatively uncommon and can sound informal or task-specific.
Easily confused with tweezer
Tweezers have slender, usually sharply pointed arms for delicate handling, whereas pliers have broader jaws designed for gripping and applying force.