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Synonyms

I-beam

American  
[ahy-beem] / ˈaɪˌbim /

noun

  1. a rolled or extruded metal beam having a cross section resembling an I.


I-beam British  

noun

  1. a rolled steel joist or a girder with a cross section in the form of a capital letter I Compare H-beam

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of I-beam

First recorded in 1890–95

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Gamboa was placing an I-beam atop the plant’s paint building when he lost his balance and fell.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 12, 2025

The center I-beam that ran the length of the house was twisted, and the two-by-four plate on top of it was only 7/8-inch thick due to being compressed.

From Seattle Times Jul. 17, 2023

She borrows methods and materials from the realm of architectural construction, casting concrete, positioning lengths of I-beam and stacking bricks.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 29, 2019

The visitor points to a jutting I-beam - a rusting broadsword stuck in a metal mound - and wonders how Eisner could get it into her studio.

From Washington Times Nov. 14, 2016

He appeared from behind an I-beam and raised his welding shield.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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