wrist

American  

[rist] / rɪst /

noun

1. the carpus or lower part of the forearm where it joins the hand.

2. the joint or articulation between the forearm and the hand.

3. the part of an article of clothing that fits around the wrist.

4. Machinery. wrist pin.

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wrist British  

/ rɪst /

noun

1. Technical name: carpus.  anatomy the joint between the forearm and the hand

2. the part of a sleeve or glove that covers the wrist

3. machinery

   1. See wrist pin

   2. a joint in which a wrist pin forms the pivot

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wrist Idioms  

1. see slap on the wrist.

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Etymology

Origin of wrist

before 950; Middle English, Old English; cognate with German Rist back of hand, Old Norse rist instep; akin to writhe

Example Sentences

"They were so kind and gave me a laptop when my wrist was too sore to write," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

"My wrist became really sore and eventually it wouldn't bend at all and you can imagine it made writing very difficult in school," Lyla said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

They put on wrist and head cameras before preparing dinner.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

At the culmination of the ritual Jawa burned through a sacred white cord to tie around his wrist for protection, and as a reminder of his promises.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Boaz grabbed her wrist and nodded toward the counter.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny