join
JOYN
Join (verb) means to connect two or more things so they form a single unit. Example: “The new bridge joins the island to the mainland.”
verb
1
To connect two or more things so they form a single unit.
"The new bridge joins the island to the mainland."
"They joined the two pipes with a metal clamp."
"Glue the edges together to join the pieces of wood."
2
To become a member of a group, club, or organization.
"My brother wants to join the local football club this autumn."
"She joined the gym after New Year."
"He joined the army straight out of school."
3
To come together with someone, or meet up.
"We'll wait at the cafe, so please join us there."
"Can I join you at your table for a moment?"
"Will you join us for dinner tonight?"
How to use join
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo connect things together, or to become part of a group or activity.
Common pairings
join a club
join forces
join the queue
join together
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Word forms
- Plural
- joins
- Third person singular
- joins
- Past tense
- joined, joint
- Archaic forms
- joinest, joinedst, joineth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new bridge _____ the island to the mainland.
Etymology
From Old French joindre, from Latin iungere, "to yoke or connect" — the same root as "junction" and "yoke."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for join
See all rhymes for join →Frequently asked questions
What does “join” mean?
The word “join” means to connect two or more things so they form a single unit. In plain terms, to connect things together, or to become part of a group or activity.
How do you pronounce “join”?
“Join” is pronounced JOYN (/ˈd͡ʒɔɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “join” in a sentence?
Here is “join” used in a sentence: “They joined the two pipes with a metal clamp.”
What is another word for “join”?
Words with a similar meaning to “join” include connect, fay, unite, accouple, affix and assemble.
What is the opposite of “join”?
The opposite of “join” — its antonyms — are detach, disconnect, disjoin, divide and unfasten.
What part of speech is “join”?
“Join” is a verb.
Where does the word “join” come from?
The word “join” comes from Latin. From Old French joindre, from Latin iungere, "to yoke or connect" — the same root as "junction" and "yoke.".
Is “join” a common word?
“Join” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'join' and 'connect'?
The words overlap heavily. 'Join' usually means to bring things together so they become one unit, often physically fixed — joining two pipes or two pieces of wood. 'Connect' can mean linking things while they stay separate, like connecting two computers. Joined things tend to form a whole; connected things simply share a link.
What is the opposite of 'join'?
The main opposites are 'separate' and 'divide' — to move joined things apart. Depending on context you might also use 'split,' 'detach,' or 'disconnect.' Where 'join' brings two or more things together into one unit, its opposites break that single unit back into separate parts.
What is the difference between 'join' and 'combine'?
'Join' means to connect things so they form a single unit, often while each part stays recognizable — two boards joined at a corner. 'Combine' means to merge things so they blend into one, sometimes losing their separate identities, like combining ingredients. Joining links things; combining mixes them together.
What are common ways to join two things?
Things can be joined in many ways depending on the materials. Common methods include gluing, nailing, screwing, welding, soldering, stitching, tying, and clipping. Some joins are permanent, like welding, while others can be undone, like a clip or a knot. The goal is always to hold the parts together as one unit.
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