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

Some historians point to one of Leonardo’s sketches from about the same time that show a David-like nude with a leaf over its groin, arguing that Leonardo wanted Michelangelo’s masterpiece modestly concealed. — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026

The Callis Family hit the ring and flipped Darby onto a sea of standing chairs, groin-first. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Jacobs was back on the field with the Packers for organized team activities less than a week after the arrest and was with the team for training camp, though he has been limited by a groin injury. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026

Quarterback Quinn Ewers also would be a short-term IR option if the team believes his injured groin isn’t healthy enough to play. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 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