labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the shoulder girdle

Examples of labrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This injury, to a different part of the same labrum, may require surgery quicker. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

After winning the High-A Northwest League pitcher of the year award last year with High-A Spokane, Sullivan underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his right hip. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025

In his rookie year, Gonzalez was limited to just four games after dislocating his shoulder and sustaining a torn labrum. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025

After Golesh arrived, Helms tore his left labrum in spring 2023. —Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip, edge — more at lip

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for labrum

• candelabrum

Kids Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

: the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

Medical Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

plural labra -brə 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a fibrous ring of cartilage attached to the rim of a joint: as

a

: glenoid labrum

b

: acetabular labrum