wrist
B1Neutral (Used in all registers)
Definition
Meaning
The joint connecting the hand to the forearm.
The area around this joint; the part of a garment covering this joint; or, figuratively, a source of mechanical support or control (e.g., in machinery).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an anatomical term, but extends to clothing (cuff) and mechanics (pivot point).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None for the core anatomical term. Minor differences in collocations for items (e.g., 'wrist support' vs. 'wrist brace' are both understood).
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She injured [her wrist]He wore a watch [on his wrist]The mechanism pivots [at the wrist]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a slap on the wrist (a mild punishment)”
- “wrist-slitting (deeply pessimistic)”
- “off the wrist (said of a watch worn)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of workplace safety (e.g., 'repetitive strain wrist injuries').
Academic
Common in medical, anatomical, and sports science texts.
Everyday
Very common when discussing injuries, timepieces, or gestures.
Technical
Used in anatomy (carpal bones), mechanics (wrist pin, wrist joint), and computing (wrest rest).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to wrist the ball into the net (sports slang).
American English
- The hockey player wristed a shot past the goalie.
adjective
British English
- She wore a delicate wrist strap.
American English
- He bought a new wrist computer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a watch on my wrist.
- She fell and hurt her wrist.
- The doctor said I sprained my wrist playing tennis.
- He glanced at his wrist to check the time.
- A clever flick of the wrist unlocked the stubborn jar lid.
- The design of the tool reduces strain on the user's wrist.
- The pianist's supple wrists were crucial for the intricate passagework.
- The arbitrator gave the company merely a slap on the wrist for the violation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'WRITE' with your hand. You need your WRIST to WRITE with a pen.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WRIST IS A HINGE/PIVOT (enabling turning and flexibility).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'запястье' (wrist) and 'кисть' (hand, brush). 'Wrist' is specifically the joint, not the entire hand.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I hurt my hand wrist.' Correct: 'I hurt my wrist.'
- Incorrect spelling: 'wirst', 'rist'.
Practice
Quiz
In which idiom does 'wrist' signify a mild reprimand?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but rarely in everyday speech. It's specialist slang in sports like hockey or cricket, meaning to shoot or throw using a quick wrist movement.
The wrist is the equivalent joint connecting the hand to the arm. The ankle connects the foot to the leg.
Yes, it can refer to the part of a sleeve (cuff) covering the wrist, or a mechanical pivot point (e.g., a 'wrist pin' in an engine).
It is a high-frequency noun for describing common injuries, telling time, and discussing clothing or physical actions, making it essential for everyday communication.
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.