groin

1 of 2

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Clark’s groin gave out early in the season, and Sophie Cunningham was not far behind her on the way to the sideline. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 May 2026 The wide player picked up a knee injury in his first couple of training sessions in January, delaying his debut for a month, before suffering another muscle issue in March, before suffering another issue in February and then a groin problem in March, ruling him out for three weeks. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 4 May 2026 In addition to Wagner’s significant absence, Banchero dealt with a groin strain in November. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026 Tsakiris left with an apparent groin injury in the 54th minute and was replaced by Nick Fernandez. ABC News, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for groin

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of groin was circa 1532

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groin. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

groin

1 of 2 noun
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
: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh
also : the region of this line

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