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

Just last week, Burns suffered a tight groin and decided not to pitch in the All-Star Game. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Be sure to check in and around your hair, ears, belly button, groin area, behind the knees and armpits. — Amanda Roome, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

The boy also reported Smith multiple times placed the child’s pen on his own upper thigh or groin area, where the child would have to grab it to continue his work, prosecutors said. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026

Apply cool, damp towels on your dog’s neck, armpits and groin. — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 16 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