wrist

noun

ˈrist 

1

a

: the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm

b

: the part of a vertebrate animal corresponding to the human wrist

2

: the part of a garment or glove covering the wrist

see also:

break one's wrists slap on the wrist

Examples of wrist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The study analyzed the sleep habits of more than 11,000 people over seven days, during which participants wore wrist sensors that measured their light exposure. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The people in the study wore light and motion sensors on their wrists for seven days, and a few years later, they were given MRIs of the heart. — Barbara Mantel, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Ever since Alcaraz injured his wrist at the Barcelona Open in April, the 23-year-old, seven-time Grand Slam champion has taken the long view on how to manage it. — James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

With its ergonomic design and thumb rest, your wrist will feel comfortable through long gaming sessions. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German rist wrist, ankle, Old English wrǣstan to twist — more at wrest

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wrist

• slap on the wrist
• wrist pin
• wrist shot
• wrist wrestling

Rhymes for wrist

• cist
• cyst
• didst
• fist
• gist
• grist
• hissed
• kissed
• kist
• list
• missed
• mist

Kids Definition

wrist

noun

ˈrist 

: the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm

also : a corresponding part of a lower animal

Medical Definition

wrist

noun

ˈrist 

: the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm or a corresponding part on a lower animal