Plural of Scissors
The ordinary tool noun “scissors” is plural-only in standard everyday use. It takes plural agreement, while a single physical tool is counted with “a pair of scissors.” Specialized uses of singular “scissor” are outside this ordinary grammar task.
“Scissors” is a plural noun for the ordinary cutting tool. One item is “a pair of scissors”; more than one is “pairs of scissors.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| tool generally | scissors | Plural noun. |
| one tool | a pair of scissors | Count the pair. |
| several tools | pairs of scissors | Plural of the counting unit. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you naming the ordinary two-bladed cutting tool?
If yes: Use “scissors”; one tool is “a pair of scissors.”
If no: If “scissor” is being used technically as another part of speech, this page does not govern that use.
Caveat: The page is about everyday noun grammar, not every specialized use of the word “scissor.”
Examples
These scissors are sharp.
The ordinary tool noun takes plural agreement.
I need a pair of scissors.
One tool is counted as a pair.
The drawer contains two pairs of scissors.
Multiple tools are counted as pairs.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use plural “scissors”; count one tool as “a pair of scissors.”
Fast Test
If you are counting the physical tools, count pairs rather than removing the final -s.
Usage Boundary
Do not form an ordinary singular tool noun by writing “a scissor.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- SCISSORS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge labels scissors a plural noun and illustrates a pair of scissors.
- Nouns: singular and plural - Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge Grammar lists thanks among nouns that are always plural in form, supporting plural-only number behavior.