: 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 The hardware must be secured into a ceiling joist for proper support. Hannah Bruneman, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 Rotted wood structural parts, such as floor joists or wall studs. Abieyuwa Aghayere, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2024 Several were built with load-bearing construction techniques, meaning the exterior masonry walls support the weight of the building with wooden joists bracing the floors and ceilings, Roberts said. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2024 First, a windstorm blows in, so powerful that roof after roof is torn from its joists and sails off into the night; the few brave souls who venture outdoors fill their pockets with iron and brass to keep from being swept away. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2023 Cantilevered decks using wood floor joists have a history of creating interior wood rot for the exact same reason. Tim Carter, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023 Unlike more expensive options, this one comes complete, featuring a plywood floor with cedar floor joists, shingles, and hardware. Laura Kristine Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2023 Spread the joists out farther too—ideally twenty-four inches. Time, 22 Aug. 2023 Twist a screw eye into the hole, tightening it fully into the joist. Hannah Bruneman, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'joist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near joist

Cite this Entry

“Joist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

joist

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

More from Merriam-Webster on joist

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