Join
/dʒɔɪn/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo connect or bring things, people, or organizations together.
/dʒɔɪn/
To connect or fasten things together.
She joined the two ends of the rope.
💡 Simply: It's like when you connect LEGO bricks! When you 'join' them, they become one thing. You can join two people together for a game, or join different pieces of clothing together to make an outfit.
👶 For kids: To put things together, like putting puzzle pieces together!
More Examples
The company decided to join forces with another firm.
Let's join the pieces to make a bigger picture.
The two rivers join near the coast.
How It's Used
"The carpenter will join the two pieces of wood."
"The program joins two tables of data."
To become a member of a group, club, organization, or team.
/dʒɔɪn/
To become a member of a group or organization.
He decided to join the army.
💡 Simply: It's like when you decide to become a part of a team or club. Like if you decide to 'join' the soccer team, you'll get to play with them and become one of the players!
👶 For kids: To be part of a group or club, like joining the scouts!
More Examples
She joined the dance class last week.
Would you like to join us for dinner?
Many people joined the protest.
How It's Used
"He joined the local hiking club."
"She joined the company as a marketing specialist."
To be present or accompany someone, especially for a short period.
/dʒɔɪn/
To be in the company of someone.
Can you join us for the movie tonight?
💡 Simply: This is when you spend time with someone or go somewhere with them. Like if someone says, 'Join me for ice cream!' it means you'll go and have ice cream together.
👶 For kids: To hang out or be with someone, like 'Join me at the park!'
More Examples
Would you like to join me for a walk?
I'm so happy you decided to join us.
Please join me in welcoming our guest.
How It's Used
"I'm glad you could join us."
"Join me for a coffee?"
A place or part where two or more things are connected or fastened together.
/dʒɔɪnt/
The point where two things are connected.
The joint in the metal pipe was weak.
💡 Simply: It's the spot where two things connect, like the place on your elbow where your arm bends, or the spot where two pieces of wood are stuck together.
👶 For kids: A place where two things come together, like your elbow or where two LEGOs are connected.
More Examples
A builder had to fix the joints in the roof.
She has pain in her knee joint.
The plumber repaired the broken joint.
How It's Used
"The joint in the pipe was leaking."
"The doctor examined the patient's knee joint."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
join hands
To hold each other's hands, often as a symbol of unity or cooperation.
"The children joined hands to cross the street."
join forces
To combine efforts and work together to achieve a common goal.
"The two companies joined forces to develop a new product."
if you can't beat them, join them
If you are unable to defeat someone, it is sometimes better to become part of their group or do what they are doing.
"He couldn't change the office culture, so he decided: if you can't beat them, join them."
From Old French *joindre*, from Latin *iungere* 'to yoke, join'.
The word 'join' has been used since the 13th century and has consistently carried the sense of bringing things or people together.
Memory tip
Imagine using glue or tape to bring separate pieces together to JOIN.
Word Origin
"to yoke, join"