What does hoist mean?
Hoist is a verb meaning to lift, pull, raise, or move something upward. It is especially associated with machinery, ropes, cranes, pulleys, and other equipment used to overcome the force of gravity. People hoist cargo onto ships, raise flags, lift sails, and move heavy objects into elevated positions. The word has a practical, workmanlike tone, and it often conveys an action performed with controlled effort rather than ordinary hand lifting. Although “hoist” can mean any upward movement, its use is especially common in nautical and industrial settings. A related noun refers to a lifting device, such as a pulley or crane mechanism, as well as the act of lifting something upward.
To lift, pull, or raise something, especially by means of ropes, pulleys, cranes, or similar equipment.
"They hoisted the beam into place using the small crane."
Common in nautical, construction, and industrial contexts; often implies controlled lifting of a heavy or elevated object.
A lifting device, such as a pulley, crane, or winch; also an act of lifting something upward.
"The hoist lifted the pallet from the basement floor."
The mechanical sense is especially common in nautical and industrial terminology.
Used for lifting devices or mechanisms; plural forms are not usually needed for the abstract act of hoisting.
"The dockyard installed new hoists beside the quay."
To hoist something is to move it upward, often against gravity using ropes, pulleys, or mechanical power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hoist come from?
The verb comes from an older English form associated with lifting or drawing upward. Its development is connected with Middle English and earlier continental forms whose precise relationship is difficult to summarize, but the sense has long centred on raising an object with mechanical assistance. Modern English inherited both the verb and the noun, including the specialized nautical use for lifting equipment and cargo.
Related word forms
How hoist is actually used
The word is common in nautical, construction, and industrial contexts. In its general use, it often suggests lifting something heavy or moving it upward by mechanical assistance.