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

Their audiences include men with little previous military training as well as chador-clad women, some with head and wrist bands of the Iranian flag.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Of the pace bowlers who played for England during the Ashes, Jofra Archer will not be ready for the first Test because of his Indian Premier League commitments and Brydon Carse has a broken wrist.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

One study, with participants from Ohio State University and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, found that Oura rings had a slight edge over wrist wearables in the accuracy of heart-rate readings.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Jeffrey Viel set up the goal, with his pass from behind the goal line finding Sennecke for a quick wrist shot from the top of the crease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

I felt someone grab my wrist, and even before I looked up, I knew it was Elliot.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin