: 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.
Finally, King notes, check the basement or crawlspace for damp areas, standing water, mold, or sagging floor joists. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025 Enlist enough help so the piece can be held tight to the ceiling joists while screws are driven to fasten the sheetrock to the joists. Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 Dec. 2024 Cross members: The shipping container floor is supported by cross members, which are beams or joists. Cmg Containers, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2024 Corrosion can be prevented by using stainless steel joist hangers, fasteners, etc. Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 23 Nov. 2024 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joist. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

joist

noun
: a small beam laid crosswise to support a floor or ceiling

More from Merriam-Webster on joist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!