grin

1 of 3

verb

ˈgrin 

grinned; grinning

intransitive verb

: to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or laughter

broadly : smile

grinning from ear to ear

grinner noun

grinningly

ˈgri-niŋ-lē 

adverb

grin

2 of 3

noun (1)

plural grins

: a facial expression produced by grinning especially in pleasure or amusement

a happy grin

She grew into a nimble young girl of seven winters, a thoughtful girl with shining brown eyes and a wide grin …

—Louise Erdrich

I wanted to wipe the grin off his face [=make him stop smiling.]

grinner

3 of 3

noun (2)

grin·​ner

ˈgrinə(r)

plural -s

: one that grins

Synonyms of grin

Verb

• smile
• laugh

Examples of grin in a Sentence

Verb

She continued to tease her brother, grinning wickedly.

grinned at the kids' fooling around in the pool

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In the winning clubhouse Sunday afternoon, White Sox prospect Caleb Bonemer couldn’t stop grinning. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026

The coach of everyone’s favorite team to adore – rowing, grinning, flowing-haired Norway – saw this coming. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026

Noun

In more footage shot from inside the 20,000 square foot venue, Haaland, dressed in a smart blue top and white slacks, walks through the crowd with a huge grin. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

With Kansas City becoming one of the most visible cities in this year’s World Cup, Eric can almost picture the wide-toothed grin on his brother’s face. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English grennen, from Old English grennian; akin to Old High German grennen to snarl

Noun (2)

Middle English grennare, from grennen, grinnen to grin + -are, -er -er

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1565, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing grin

• grin and bear it
• grin from ear to ear
• wear a silly grin/smile on one's face
• wipe the grin off his face

Rhymes for grin

• been
• bin
• chin
• din
• djinn
• fin
• finn
• gin
• in
• kin
• linn
• linne

Kids Definition

grin

verb

ˈgrin 

grinned; grinning

: to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in laughter

grin noun