girder

noun

gird·​er ˈgər-dər 

: a horizontal main structural member (as in a building or bridge) that supports vertical loads and that consists of a single piece or of more than one piece bound together

Examples of girder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of the springer or girder front suspension and semi-hard-tail frame of the original, the Chief Vintage uses modern but stylized front forks and discreet twin rear shocks that mimic the unsprung frame of the post-war bikes. —William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Drivers have likely seen crews placing large girders at the interchange, which is west of McDermott Road along the Nampa-Meridian border. —Rose Evans january 21, Idaho Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026

Images published in Thai media showed plumes of white, then dark, smoke rising from the crash site, with construction equipment dangling from girders between two concrete support pillars. —Jintamas Saksonchai, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026

The rehabilitation includes a new bridge deck, upgraded drainage system, new parapets, new highway lights and strengthened bridge girders to increase load capacity. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

gird entry 1 (in sense "to surround as with a belt, connect firmly") + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing girder

• lattice girder

Rhymes for girder

• murder

Kids Definition

girder

noun

gird·​er ˈgərd-ər 

: a horizontal main supporting beam