Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

joiner

[joi-ner]
See more synonyms for joiner on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a person or thing that joins.
  2. a carpenter, especially one who constructs doors, window sashes, paneling, and other permanent woodwork.
  3. a person who belongs to many clubs, associations, societies, etc., often from indiscriminate enthusiasm, for increased status, to make business or social contacts, or the like.
Show More

Origin of joiner

1350–1400; join + -er1; replacing Middle English joinour < Anglo-French joignour, equivalent to joign- (see join) + -our -or2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

representativecronycohortcomradebuddyassistantaccomplicefellowfriendcollaboratorpartnercompanionallyco-workerlaborerbuilderworkerartisanwoodworkercabinetmaker

Examples from the Web for joiner

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • He left long before I did, and went to learn his trade of a joiner in the city.

    Rico and Wiseli

    Johanna Spyri

  • There were tools and a joiner's bench in an outhouse, and there he worked.

    The Great Hunger

    Johan Bojer

  • So after all, these first houses were rather poor specimens of the joiner's craft.

  • He did not finish the sentence; the joiner's plane had hurtled close past his head.

    The Gods are Athirst

    Anatole France

  • The joiner felt to the bottom of his pockets, but could find nothing.

British Dictionary definitions for joiner

joiner

noun
  1. mainly British a person trained and skilled in making finished woodwork, such as windows, doors, and stairs
  2. a person or thing that joins
  3. informal a person who joins many clubs, causes, etc
Show More
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

Word Origin and History for joiner

n.

early 14c. (late 12c. as a surname), joynour "maker of furniture, small boxes, etc.," from Old French joigneor "joiner, carpenter," agent noun from joindre "to join" (see join). A craftsman who did lighter and more ornamental work than a carpenter. Meaning "one who makes a habit of joining" (societies, clubs, etc.) is from 1890. Related: Joinery.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper