wrist

American  

[rist] / rɪst /

noun

1. the carpus or lower part of the forearm where it joins the hand.

2. the joint or articulation between the forearm and the hand.

3. the part of an article of clothing that fits around the wrist.

4. Machinery. wrist pin.

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wrist British  

/ rɪst /

noun

1. Technical name: carpus.  anatomy the joint between the forearm and the hand

2. the part of a sleeve or glove that covers the wrist

3. machinery

   1. See wrist pin

   2. a joint in which a wrist pin forms the pivot

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wrist Idioms  

1. see slap on the wrist.

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Etymology

Origin of wrist

before 950; Middle English, Old English; cognate with German Rist back of hand, Old Norse rist instep; akin to writhe

Explanation

Your wrist is the joint between your arm and your hand. Without your wrists, it would be hard to play tennis — or even to wave goodbye to your friends. The wrist is a complicated joint that allows you to bend and rotate your hand in many different directions. The entire wrist area includes so many bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that it's fairly easy to injure. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one common injury that's caused by repeated motion of the wrist. The word wrist stems from the German Rist, "back of the hand," and a root meaning "to turn or bend."

Example Sentences

The biggest advance in preventive medicine might well be that thin band on your wrist or titanium ring on your finger.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

"This is my brother Hassan's bracelet," he said, showing it on his wrist, his voice trembling.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The world number two withdrew from last month's Barcelona Open after sustaining the injury to his right wrist in the first round.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

After missing so much time in recent years with injuries to his back, his knee, his wrist and his calf, he’s just happy to be contributing again.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

With a finger as thick as Anya’s wrist, he jabbed at the square and rumbled, “Zmeyreka?”

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack