fist
Fist (noun) means a hand with the fingers curled tightly inward, typically for punching or gripping. Example: “He clenched his fist in anger.”
How to use fist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hand closed into a tight ball, usually for hitting or gripping something firmly.
Word forms
fisted past tense, fisted past tense, fists plural, fists plural, fists singular, fists singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He clenched his _____ in anger.
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.