girder

[ gur-der ]

noun

1. a large beam, as of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber, for supporting masonry, joists, purlins, etc.
2. a principal beam of wood, steel, etc., supporting the ends of joists.

girder

/ ˈɡɜːdə /

noun

1. a large beam, esp one made of steel, used in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc
2. botany the structure composed of tissue providing mechanical support for a stem or leaf

Other Words From

• girder·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of girder¹

First recorded in 1605–15; gird ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The final box girders were swung into place at the end of 1963, covered in the Union Flag and Lion Rampant to mark the occasion.

From BBC

Installation of the steel girders were completed back in April, and crews have since been assembling wood forms and placing reinforcing rods in preparation for concrete pouring.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, the final girder was installed on the crossing, completing the foundation and marking a construction milestone.

From Los Angeles Times

Crews will be installing steel girders — long boxes of reinforced concrete — over the freeway in order to build the vegetated bridge, according to Caltrans.

From Los Angeles Times

Crews will install girders over the freeway to support the crossing, a vegetated bridge that will reconnect wildlife habitat, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• joist
• truss