Meanings
dykes1
noun
- pluralplural of dyke
dykes2
noundykes pl (plural only)
alternative dikes
- pluralplural onlyDiagonal cutting pliers; diagonal pliers; diagonal cutters; wire cutters.
If you use undersized dykes to cut large wire, you can damage or break them.
2008, John Hechtman, Audio Wiring Guide: How to Wire the Most Popular Audio and Video Connectors, page 151 more example
For cutting lead came, you’ll need ‘lead came dykes,’ which are simple nippers designed to avoid crushing the lead.
2022, Neile Cooper, Kicking Glass: A Creative Guide to Stained Glass Craft, page 40
Dykes3
Origin
dykes · noun
Likely a blend of diagonal + cut, with influence from dyke and dike.
Full word history & related roots →Rhymes & wordplay
Rhymes with dykes
All rhymes →Anagrams
Cite this entry
APA
dykes. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dykes
MLA
“dykes.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dykes. Accessed November 2, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “dykes,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/dykes.
Source: dykes on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.