joist

noun

ˈjȯist How to pronounce joist (audio)
: any of the small timbers or metal beams ranged parallel from wall to wall in a structure to support a floor or ceiling

Illustration of joist

Illustration of joist
  • J joist

Examples of joist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cellar was filled to the floorboards above, and barrels hit the floor joists. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026 But because that level rests on wooden floor joists, which bend a bit, the tiles might have cracked. — Dean Kaufman, Curbed, 30 June 2026 The headquarters was mostly beams and joists, with no walls yet constructed. — Emily Brindley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026 Rough carpenters must install floor joists with minimal or no crown. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for joist

Word History

Etymology

Middle English giste, joiste, from Anglo-French giste, from Vulgar Latin *jacitum, from Latin jacēre to lie — more at adjacent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joist was in the 15th century

Rhymes for joist

See All Rhymes for joist

Browse Nearby Words

Joinville
joist
joisting
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Cite this Entry

“Joist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

joist

noun
ˈjȯist How to pronounce joist (audio)
: a small beam laid crosswise to support a floor or ceiling

More from Merriam-Webster on joist

Nglish: Translation of joist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about joist

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