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
Noun
Milton battled numerous injuries (knee, shoulder and groin) during his time in Athens. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024 Now without Hertl, and Couture still on the mend with a groin injury, the Sharks are pleased with how forwards Mikael Granlund and Luke Kunin have joined Mario Ferraro in filling the void left by Hertl’s absence. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for groin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'groin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near groin

Cite this Entry

“Groin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groin. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on groin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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