fist

¹ American  

[fist] / fɪst /

noun

1. the hand closed tightly, with the fingers doubled into the palm.

2. Informal. the hand.

3. Informal. a person's handwriting.

4. Printing. index.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make (one's hand) into a fist.

2. to grasp in the fist.

fist ² American  

[fahyst] / faɪst /

noun

1. feist.

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fist British  

/ fɪst /

noun

1. a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting

2. Also called: fistful.  the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand

3. an informal word for hand index

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verb

1. (tr) to hit with the fist

fist Idioms  

1. see hand over fist.

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Etymology

Origin of fist

before 900; Middle English; Old English fȳst; cognate with German Faust fist; perhaps akin to five

Example Sentences

Another video shows Kid Rock pumping his fist before a second gunship appears to fly by his mansion, which he has dubbed the Southern White House.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

At this point, Jimin fist bumps RM, who then adds, “I just hope they take care of us and embrace us a bit more.”

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Something else I caught, you love to throw a fist in the air.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

This is an excellent Seattle team, and now the team spirit and World Series buzz are potentially threatened by bad vibes from unreturned fist bumps?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Is he still holding the wrench in his tightened fist?

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• clenched fist
• hand
• paw