a long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal used to support the roof or floor of a building, a ray or shaft of light

off beam, on the beam, beam me up, Scotty

Formal and Informal Expressions of beams

In different contexts, you can replace 'beams' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'support' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stick, pole' is a commonplace synonym.

beams: Explore its Definition & Usage

beams Definition

1a long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal used to support the roof or floor of a building
2a ray or shaft of light

Using beams: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "beams" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The beams in the ceiling were made of oak.
Example
The sun's beams shone through the window.
Example
The lighthouse beam swept across the sea.

beams Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for beams

Phrases with beams

off beam
not on target; wrong
Example
His guess was completely off beam.
on the beam
on the right track; correct
Example
Her analysis was on the beam and helped solve the problem.
beam me up, Scotty
a catchphrase from the television show Star Trek, meaning to be transported instantly from one place to another
Example
If only we could beam ourselves up, Scotty, and avoid this traffic!

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Summary: beams in Brief

The term 'beams' [biːmz] refers to long, sturdy pieces of timber or metal that support the roof or floor of a building. It can also mean a ray or shaft of light, as in 'The sun's beams shone through the window.' Phrases like 'off beam' and 'on the beam' indicate whether something is correct or not, while 'beam me up, Scotty' is a catchphrase from Star Trek meaning to be transported instantly.