girder

noun

gird·​er ˈgər-dər How to pronounce girder (audio)
Synonyms of girdernext
: 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
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.
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 girders, or beams, weigh approximately 42,000 pounds and are around 117 feet long, the release said. Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 12 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 The cable failure caused a steel girder arch measuring about 354 feet to collapse while 16 workers were on site at the time, the outlets said. Escher Walcott, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for girder

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of girder was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Girder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/girder. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

girder

noun
gird·​er ˈgərd-ər How to pronounce girder (audio)
: a horizontal main supporting beam

More from Merriam-Webster on girder

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