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Showing results for I-beam. Search instead for I beams.
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

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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.

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

A side beam near the southbound lane showed a bent I-beam edge, which Cox said might have been hit by flying cargo Wednesday.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2021

While quality control manager Justin Rouse straightened one of the beams into place, Bode performed quick welds down its length to form part of an I-beam.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2020

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

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

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.