hoist
hoyst
Hoist (verb) means to raise or lift something up, often using ropes, pulleys, or machinery. Example: “The crew hoisted the sail as soon as the wind picked up.”
verb
1
To raise or lift something up, often using ropes, pulleys, or machinery.
"The crew hoisted the sail as soon as the wind picked up."
"Workers hoisted the crates onto the back of the truck with a pulley."
2
Informal: to steal.
"He was caught trying to hoist a bike from outside the shop."
noun
1
A device used for lifting heavy loads.
"The mechanic used a hoist to lift the car off the ground."
How to use hoist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lift something up, often something heavy, usually with equipment rather than bare hands.
Common mistake
People sometimes write "hoisted by his own petard" — meaning someone undone by their own scheme — a Shakespearean phrase still used today.
Common pairings
hoist a flag
hoist the sail
hoist yourself up
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Word forms
- Plural
- hoists
- Third person singular
- hoists
- Past tense
- hoisted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The crew _____ the sail as soon as the wind picked up.
Etymology
An alteration of the older word "hoise," itself from Middle Dutch hisen ("to hoist") — related to modern Dutch hijsen and German hissen.
Related words
Rhymes for hoist
See all rhymes for hoist →Frequently asked questions
What does “hoist” mean?
The word “hoist” means to raise or lift something up, often using ropes, pulleys, or machinery. In plain terms, to lift something up, often something heavy, usually with equipment rather than bare hands.
How do you pronounce “hoist”?
“Hoist” is pronounced hoyst (/hɔɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “hoist” in a sentence?
Here is “hoist” used in a sentence: “The crew hoisted the sail as soon as the wind picked up.”
What part of speech is “hoist”?
Depending on how it is used, “hoist” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “hoist” come from?
The word “hoist” comes from German. An alteration of the older word "hoise," itself from Middle Dutch hisen ("to hoist") — related to modern Dutch hijsen and German hissen.
Is “hoist” a common word?
“Hoist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “hoist” have?
“Hoist” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to raise or lift something up, often using ropes, pulleys, or machinery.
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