noun
Common
fist
fihst
Fist (noun) means a hand with the fingers curled tightly inward, typically for punching or gripping. Example: “The toddler waved a tiny fist at the bubbles drifting past.”
noun
1
A hand with the fingers curled tightly inward, typically for punching or gripping.
"The toddler waved a tiny fist at the bubbles drifting past."
"He clenched his fist in anger."
"She banged her fist on the table to make her point."
verb
1
To strike someone with a closed fist.
"He fisted the punching bag repeatedly during training."
How to use fist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hand closed into a tight ball, usually for hitting or gripping something firmly.
Common pairings
clench a fist
raise a fist
fist bump
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Word forms
- Plural
- fists
- Third person singular
- fists
- Past tense
- fisted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddler waved a tiny _____ at the bubbles drifting past.
Etymology
From Old English fyst, going back to a prehistoric Germanic root possibly meaning "to punch or prick."
Related words
Rhymes for fist
See all rhymes for fist →Frequently asked questions
What does “fist” mean?
The word “fist” means a hand with the fingers curled tightly inward, typically for punching or gripping. In plain terms, a hand closed into a tight ball, usually for hitting or gripping something firmly.
How do you pronounce “fist”?
“Fist” is pronounced fihst (/fɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “fist” in a sentence?
Here is “fist” used in a sentence: “He clenched his fist in anger.”
What is another word for “fist”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fist” include nief, bunch of fives, fist-size and ductus.
What part of speech is “fist”?
Depending on how it is used, “fist” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fist” come from?
The word “fist” comes from Old English. From Old English fyst, going back to a prehistoric Germanic root possibly meaning "to punch or prick.".
Is “fist” a common word?
“Fist” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fist” have?
“Fist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hand with the fingers curled tightly inward, typically for punching or gripping.
What is the difference between a "fist" and a "palm"?
A "fist" is a hand with the fingers curled tightly inward, ready to punch or grip, while the "palm" is the flat inner surface of an open hand. You clench your hand into a fist but hold something in your open palm.
What is the difference between a "fist bump" and a "punch"?
A "fist bump" is a friendly greeting where two people gently touch their closed fists together, while a "punch" is a forceful blow struck with a fist. They use the same hand shape but have opposite intentions.
What words commonly go with "fist"?
"Fist" appears in many phrases, including "clench your fist," "shake your fist," "make a fist," "fist bump," "iron fist," and "hand over fist." It usually describes a tightly closed hand.
