guillotine

noun

guil·​lo·​tine ˈgi-lə-ˌtēn  ˌgē-(y)ə-ˈtēn  ˈgē-(y)ə-ˌtēn 

1

: a machine for beheading by means of a heavy blade that slides down in vertical guides

2

: a shearing machine or instrument (such as a paper cutter) that in action resembles a guillotine

The paper was trimmed on a guillotine.

3

chiefly British : closure by the imposition of a predetermined time limit on the consideration of specific sections of a bill or portions of other legislative business

guillotine transitive verb

Examples of guillotine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rich and powerful are putting our democracy, laws, agencies and immigrants to the guillotine. —Darren Soto, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2025

In stark contrast, the Democratic leadership entered the room with somber expressions and stiff strides, their demeanor reminiscent of individuals walking to a guillotine. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

Even today, the guillotine is a common symbol at protests against inequality. —Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025

With knockdowns in the first two rounds and after surviving a guillotine attempt in the third round, Gafurov (20-6) earned 30-27 scores from all three judges despite Nakamura (9-1) being a -625 favorite. —Brian Martin, Orange County Register, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Joseph Guillotin †1814 French physician

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for guillotine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

guillotine

noun

guil·​lo·​tine ˈgil-ə-ˌtēn  ˌgē-(y)ə-ˈtēn 

ˈgē-(y)əˌ-tēn

: a machine for cutting off a person's head by means of a heavy blade sliding in two upright grooved posts

guillotine verb

Etymology

named for Joseph Guillotin 1738–1814 French doctor and public official

Medical Definition

guillotine

noun

guil·​lo·​tine ˈgil-ə-ˌtēn  ˈgē-ə-ˌtēn 

: a surgical instrument that consists of a ring and handle with a knife blade which slides down the handle and across the ring and that is used for cutting out a protruding structure (as a tonsil) capable of being placed in the ring