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

Suarez, out with a groin strain, is due back in the rotation this weekend. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

In the fifth inning, the 23-year-old rookie infielder hit a foul ball that ricocheted directly into his groin, dropped to his knees in the batter's box, then got back up and reached first base with a hit on the very next pitch. — Angela Haupt, Time, 22 July 2026

Dry the coat thoroughly, paying close attention to the ears, neck, armpits, groin, tail base and skin folds where moisture tends to collect. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Two of the starters have since gotten hurt (Ranger Suarez with a groin injury and Connelly Early with elbow inflammation), but Suarez could return Tuesday, and the team has kept rolling. — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 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