What does joint mean?
Joint describes something shared, mutually held, or undertaken together: a joint decision, a joint account, or a joint venture. It can also function as a noun for the point where two bones meet, such as the knee or shoulder, and for a connection between mechanical components. In informal North American English, a joint is a cannabis cigarette. The word can further be used as a verb, usually in formal or literary contexts, meaning to unite or combine forces. Joint is especially useful when it emphasizes cooperation or common ownership rather than mere proximity. Its everyday sense is strongly associated with shared responsibility, partnership, and deliberate cooperation, while its anatomical sense is standard in medicine and everyday discussion of the body.
Shared, mutual, or involving cooperation between people, organizations, or parts.
"The directors made a joint announcement about the changes."
Common in formal and professional contexts, particularly for shared ownership, responsibility, or activity.
A point where two bones meet, a connection between components, or an informal term for a cannabis cigarette.
"The doctor examined the painful joint in his shoulder."
The cannabis sense is informal and chiefly used in North American English.
To unite or combine resources, forces, or efforts.
"The two departments jointed their efforts to publish the report."
Relatively uncommon and more formal or literary than the usual verb “combine” or “join.”
The standard plural of the noun, especially when referring to the meeting points of bones or connections between components.
"Her knee joints ache after long periods of standing."
From the Latin verb for “to join,” joint has grown to mean everything from shared decisions to the meeting point of two bones.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does joint come from?
Joint comes from Old French joint, derived from the Latin verb iungere, meaning “to join” or “unite.” The word entered English through the language of law, administration, and commerce, where it described things held or done in common. Its relatives include join, conjoin, junction, and juncture, all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How joint is actually used
As an adjective, joint is formal and neutral, though “joint decision” and “joint custody” often occur in legal and administrative contexts. The noun for a cannabis cigarette is informal and chiefly associated with North American English. The verb joint is relatively uncommon and usually sounds formal or literary.
Easily confused with joint
Join is usually a verb meaning to connect or unite, while joint commonly describes something shared or belonging to two people or parts.