sprain

1 of 2

noun

ˈsprān 

1

: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments

2

: a sprained condition

sprain

2 of 2

verb

sprained; spraining; sprains

transitive verb

: to injure by a sudden or severe twist

Examples of sprain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Jasson Domínguez, in the midst of a rehab assignment for an AC joint sprain, was activated in a corresponding move. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026

For example, virtual care may be a convenient option for flu-like symptoms, allergies, rashes, or sinus infections, while urgent care may be more appropriate for sprains, ear pain, or minor injuries. —Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 10 June 2026

Verb

Injury updates Venable said after the game that both Kyle Teel (sprained lateral collateral ligament) and Noah Schultz (right knee patellar tendinitis) will head to Charlotte for rehab assignments on Monday and join the Triple-A squad. —Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026

Domínguez has missed over a month after spraining his AC joint and has played in five rehab games in the past week. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sprain

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

sprain

1 of 2 noun

ˈsprān 

1

: a sudden or severe twisting of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments

2

: a condition that results from a sprain and is usually marked by pain and swelling

sprain

2 of 2 verb

: to injure by a sudden or severe twist

Medical Definition

sprain

1 of 2 noun

ˈsprān 

: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint causing the stretching or tearing of ligaments and often rupture of blood vessels with hemorrhage into the tissues

also : the condition resulting from a sprain that is usually marked by swelling, inflammation, hemorrhage, and discoloration compare strain entry 3 sense b

sprain

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to weaken (a joint or ligament) by sudden and violent twisting or wrenching : stretch (ligaments) injuriously without dislocation of the joint