Meaning & use
beam
A long, sturdy piece of wood, metal, or concrete used to support a structure such as a roof or floor.
See it in a sentence
Workers lifted a heavy steel beam into place across the top of the building.
A beam of sunlight broke through the clouds and lit up the valley below.
A note on using this word
Beam can describe a structural support or a narrow ray of light, and it can also mean to smile broadly, as in 'she beamed with pride.'
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To smile radiantly, or to transmit a signal in a particular direction.
He beamed with pride as his daughter accepted her diploma.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “beam”, then compare your use with the examples above.