chin

play

noun \ ˈchin \

Definition of chin

1 :the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the prominence of the lower jaw

2 :the surface beneath or between the branches of the lower jaw

—

chinless

play \-ləs\ adjective

See chin defined for English-language learners

See chin defined for kids

Recent Examples of chin from the Web

Experts say McGregor punches too wide, drops his hands too recklessly and lifts his chin when throwing punches.

— adam kilgore, chicagotribune.com, "Racial conflict sells boxing matches. Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor are its latest pitchmen.," 23 Aug. 2017
Middletown took it on the chin last year with a winless season in arguably one of the toughest conferences around.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "Preview: Colerain continues to top GMC squads," 16 Aug. 2017
DeShields said a pitch hit the cross hanging off his necklace, which hit him in the chin in the first inning.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Andrus’ choices: Opt out, become a Rangers great, or both," 14 Aug. 2017
Putting it on your face is pretty straightforward, but the mask's ear and chin straps take a minute to loop around your ears.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "Dr. Pimple Popper's New Face Masks Get Rid of Blackheads in a Much Prettier Way," 14 Aug. 2017
Spencer's already built lower to the ground and Big Cat is taller so he's got to learn how to play up under his pads, under his chin line.

— james crepea, AL.com, "Auburn freshman Markaviest Bryant has 'flashed' early in fall camp," 12 Aug. 2017
During the national anthem, Pienaar bit his lip so hard that blood trickled down his chin.

— matt giles, longreads.com, "Remembering Nelson Mandela’s Contribution to Sports," 19 July 2017
Police said he had been shot in the head and the right side of the chin.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Man shot to death in Gresham is identified," 17 July 2017
Sachiko DiGusto dabs white foundation along her husband’s chin and down his neck.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity, "Meet some of KC’s biggest ‘Game of Thrones’ fans — they have the costumes to prove it," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chin

Middle English, from Old English cinn; akin to Old High German kinni chin, Latin gena cheek, Greek genys jaw, cheek

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

chin

verb

Definition of chin

chinned; chinning

transitive verb

1 :to bring to or hold with the chin

chin a violin

2 :to raise (oneself) while hanging by the hands until the chin is level with the support

intransitive verb

slang :to talk idly

Examples of chin in a Sentence

the kind of work environment in which staffers can knock off early on Friday and chin with the boss

Recent Examples of chin from the Web

In one drawing, a pair of women and a pair of men sit kibbitzing on benches in Union Square; Katz captures all four physiognomies and expressions—from a querulous, sharp-nosed woman to a sympathetic, shovel-chinned man—with vigilant specificity.

— The New Yorker, "Alex Katz," 22 May 2017
The only self-explanatory comment on the election came in the form of satire—a sputtering, quadruple-chinned caricature of our president-elect prominently displayed in an artist’s storefront.

— pilar guzmán, Condé Nast Traveler, "Editor's Letter: Why Travelers Make the Best Diplomats," 17 Jan. 2017