ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wrist

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɹɪst// UK //ɹˈɪst// wrist General-service

n. the joint that connects your hand to your arm. You use it to move your hand up, down, or in circles.

n. the joint or region of the human body connecting the forearm and the hand. It consists of the carpal bones and the associated ligaments and tendons.


SIMPLE

He wore a silver watch on his left wrist.

CONTEXTUAL

The tennis player wore a supportive brace on her wrist to prevent further injury during the tournament.

COMPLEX

Repetitive strain injuries often manifest in the wrist due to the constant, small-scale movements required for typing and mouse operation over extended periods.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English wrist, from Old English wrist, from Proto-West Germanic wristu, from Proto-Germanic wristuz (compare Old Frisian wrist, Low German Wrist, German Rist (“back of hand, instep, withers”), Swedish vrist), from Proto-Germanic *wrīþaną (“to twist, turn”). More at writhe.

© 2026 English Reference