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

These gestures come from the centuries-old Cambodian apsara dance form, which involves complex movements of the hands, wrists, and head. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 15 Sep. 2026

After fatally strangling the children, Clancy attempted suicide by cutting her wrists and jumping out of a second-story window. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

First-round picks Tate Southisene, SS, Atlanta Southisene was in the midst of an outstanding first full season in pro ball when he was promoted for the second time and broke his wrist in his first game in Double A. — Keith Law, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

However, wrist discomfort during the session killed the idea. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 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