expansion joint

American  

noun

1. a joint between two parts of a structure, machine, etc., permitting expansion, as from heat, without structural damage.

---

expansion joint British  

noun

1. engineering a gap in steel or concrete to allow for thermal expansion

---

Etymology

Origin of expansion joint

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

expansion joint

The works then progresses over the following months to bridge waterproofing, concrete repairs, resurfacing, expansion joint replacements, edge beam strengthening, and barrier upgrades.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2025

Contractors will rebuild and level six expansion joint sections of southbound I-5.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 4, 2022

You’re familiar with the ongoing expansion joint replacements and congestion along southbound Interstate 5, where the sixth of 16 weekend-long lane reductions begins Friday night through Seattle’s Sodo area.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 14, 2022

The two right southbound lanes near the Albro Place exit are closed after an expansion joint popped up, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 2, 2022

With cast iron pipe this cannot be done, and no length of piping over 40 ft. should be without a proper expansion joint.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various