verb \ˈjȯin\

Definition of join

  1. transitive verb
  2. 1a :  to put or bring together so as to form a unit join two blocks of wood with glueb :  to connect (separated items, such as points) by a linec :  adjoin his studio there joined that of the famous sculptor — J. T. Marshall

  3. 2 :  to put or bring into close association or relationship two people joined in marriage

  4. 3 :  to enter into or engage in (battle) perhaps as many as 100 aircraft joined battle simultaneously — Peter Hellman

  5. 4a :  to come into the company of (someone) She joined us for lunch.b :  to associate oneself with joined the church join the navy

  6. intransitive verb
  7. 1a :  to come together so as to be connected nouns join to form compounds the place where two rivers joinb :  adjoin the two estates join

  8. 2 :  to come into close association or relationship: such asa :  to form an allianceb :  to become a member of a group or organization trying to get more people to join —often used with up She joined up last year.c :  to take part in a collective activity —usually used with in join in singing join in an effort


play \ˈjȯi-nə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of join in a sentence

  1. The islands are joined by a bridge.

  2. He insisted that I join them for lunch.







  9. He agreed to join the debate.

  10. Join the Navy and see the world!

Origin and Etymology of join


First Known Use: 13th century

Synonym Discussion of join

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness joined forces in an effort to win. combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit combined jazz and rock to create a new music. unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity the colonies united to form a republic. connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations. link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity a name forever linked with liberty. associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation opera is popularly associated with high society. relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection related what he observed to what he already knew.




Definition of join

  1. 1 :  something that joins two things :  a place or line where joining occurs :  joint the join of lid and box

  2. 2 mathematics :  union 2d

Examples of join in a sentence

  1. a small crack in the chalice at the join of the stem and the bowl

Origin and Etymology of join

see 1join

First Known Use: 1884

JOIN Defined for English Language Learners



verb \ˈjȯin\

Definition of join for English Language Learners


  • : to come together with (something)

  • : to go somewhere in order to be with (a person or group)

JOIN Defined for Kids


verb \ˈjȯin\

Definition of join for Students




  1. 1 :  to come into the company of She joined me in the dining room.

  2. 2 :  to take part in a group activity We all joined in the chorus.

  3. 3 :  to come, bring, or fasten together Let's all join hands.

  4. 4 :  to become a member of I'm joining the club.

  5. 5 :  to come or bring into close association Both schools joined together to raise funds.

  6. 6 :  to combine the elements of Join the two sets.

  7. 7 :  adjoin The two rooms join.

Law Dictionary


transitive verb

Legal Definition of join

  1. 1 :  to unite so as to form one unit join the claims in one action

  2. 2a :  to align oneself with especially in a legal matter she joined her husband as plaintiff b :  to cause or order (a person) to become a party to a lawsuit if a person has not been joined as required, the court must order that the person be made a party — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 19(a) — compare consolidate, implead, interplead, intervene c :  to enter into or participate in join the suit

  3. intransitive verb
  4. 1 :  to come together so as to form a unit the other victims of the scheme joined in the suit

  5. 2 :  to commence involvement or participation a person who refuses to join as a plaintiff may be made either a defendant, or…an involuntary plaintiff — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 19(a)



join issue


join the issue

  1. 1 :  to accept, fix on, or clearly define an issue as the subject of a legal dispute refused to join issue by filing an answer with the court

  2. 2 :  to take an opposed position on some question join issue with the conclusion

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up join? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


a dividing ridge between drainage areas

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