1
: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh
also : the region of this line
2
a
: the projecting curved line along which two intersecting vaults meet
b
: a rib that covers this edge
3
: a rigid structure built out from a shore to protect the shore from erosion, to trap sand, or to direct a current for scouring a channel

Illustration of groin

Illustration of groin
  • groin 2a

groin

2 of 2

verb

groined; groining; groins

transitive verb

: to build or equip with groins

Examples of groin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
He’d been called up from Triple A to pitch in place of Ranger Suarez, who landed on the injury list earlier in the week with a left groin strain. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026 Donovan has been out since the middle of May with a groin injury. Mike Barner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The game, and really the program, turned on a dime in the first half when Lowry, hemmed in deep in the paint, opted to work his way out by throwing a punch at Keith Langford’s groin. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 Be prepared with skin soothers If an infant sweats profusely during hot, humid weather, tiny red bumps may start to cluster on their neck or groin, in the folds of their skin at the back of their knees, or in the crease of their elbows. Nancy Mattia, Parents, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for groin

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of Middle English grynde, from Old English, abyss; akin to Old English grund ground

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groin was circa 1532

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groin. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the junction of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh or the part of the body around this junction
2
: the curved line or rib on a ceiling along which two vaults meet

groin

2 of 2 verb
: to build or equip with groins

Medical Definition

: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh
also : the region of this line

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