Word
wrist
US/ˈɹɪst/
UK/ɹˈɪst/
Definitions
01anatomy
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Medicine
n. the joint that connects your hand to your arm.
n. the anatomical joint connecting the distal end of the forearm to the carpus of the hand.
日本語:手首※
Español:muñeca
“She wore a silver watch on her left wrist every day.”
“The surgeon explained that the fracture was located at the base of the wrist, requiring a small plate to stabilize the joint during recovery.”
Synonyms
02engineering
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a pin or joint in a machine that allows parts to move like a human wrist.
n. a stud, pin, or mechanical joint that serves as a journal or pivot point, often in robotic or automotive assemblies.
“The robot's wrist allows it to turn the screwdriver in tight spaces.”
“The mechanical arm features a three-axis wrist that provides the dexterity necessary for high-precision welding on the assembly line.”
03to hit a wrist shot
C1 · Advanced Sports Informal
v. to hit a ball or puck with a quick movement of the wrist.
v. to execute a shot, particularly in ice hockey or field hockey, using a rapid flicking motion of the wrists rather than a full swing.
“The player managed to wrist the puck into the top corner of the net.”
“He chose to wrist the ball past the defender rather than taking a full power shot, catching the goalkeeper off guard with the sudden change in pace.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “wrist” in context.
Verb
01. flick your wrist
“To get the best spin on the ball, you need to flick your wrist at the last second.”
verb + possessive + noun
02. grab someone by the wrist
“The security guard grabbed the thief by the wrist before he could run away.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. sprain your wrist
“She fell on the ice and managed to sprain her wrist, so she has to wear a brace.”
verb + possessive + noun
Adjective
04. limp wrist
“He gave a weak, limp wrist shake that didn't inspire much confidence.”
adj + noun
05. slender wrist
“The delicate gold bracelet looked beautiful on her slender wrist.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. flick of the wrist
“With a quick flick of the wrist, the magician made the coin disappear into thin air.”
noun + of + noun
07. wrist injury
“The tennis player had to withdraw from the tournament due to a recurring wrist injury.”
noun + noun
08. wrist watch
“He checked his wrist watch and realized he was ten minutes late for the meeting.”
noun + noun
Preposition
09. around the wrist
“The hospital identification band was fastened securely around his wrist.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“He broke a rib and has damaged his wrist.” “His right hand and wrist are wrapped in a thick bandage.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/wrist
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0