Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

i-beam

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.14 in modern English

Syllables: i-beam
IPA

9

Scrabble Score

5

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A beam with cross-section shaped like a capital letter I (with serifs top and bottom), used in construction.

noun

A cursor shaped like the letter I, usually indicating text that can be edited or selected.

Example Sentences

"In general, the cursor image is the primary concern, with different types used to indicate selected functions such as I-beams or vertical bars for text editing, a pencil for drawing, or a hand with the index finger extended […]"

Etymology

Since it resembles a capital letter I with serifs.

Inflected Forms

I-beams (plural)

Phrases

I-girder

Frequently Paired Words

I-girder H-beam

Questions

What does i-beam mean?: A beam with cross-section shaped like a capital letter I (with serifs top and bottom), used in construction.
Where does i-beam come from?: Since it resembles a capital letter I with serifs.

How to pronounce i-beam

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “i-beam”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “i-beam”.
Repeat and practice — Say “i-beam” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.