groin

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrȯin 

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

• 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

Noun

Other sustaining injuries were linebacker Nick Martin (stinger) and safety Marques Sigle (oblique); cornerback Nate Hobbs did not play because of a groin injury that will keep him out this preseason. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026

Third-round pick linebacker Jaishawn Barham is doubtful to play with a groin injury that has kept him out of practice over the past week. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026

Jabbour said an endovascular cerebrospinal fluid shunt, or E-shunt, is threaded into the brain with a catheter that's inserted through the groin. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

On the downside, running back Josh Jacobs missed practice with a groin injury, though it's not considered serious. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for groin

• coin
• coyne
• join
• koine
• loin
• moine
• quoin
• adjoin
• benzoin
• bitcoin
• conjoin
• enjoin

Kids Definition

groin

1 of 2 noun

ˈgrȯin 

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

groin

noun

ˈgrȯin 

: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh

also : the region of this line