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
Quarterback Quinn Ewers also would be a short-term IR option if the team believes his injured groin isn’t healthy enough to play. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 Bell, a fourth-round draft pick after his record-breaking senior year at UConn, missed the first two preseason games with a groin injury but starred in his debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the brand new Highmark Stadium on Thursday night. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 Jacobs was back on the field with the Packers for organized team activities less than a week after the arrest and has been with the team for training camp, though he has been limited by a groin injury. Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 As camp went on, a groin injury kept him out of roughly a week of practices and the preseason opener against Seattle. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

: 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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