hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē  -nē-ˌī 

: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial

ˈhər-nē-əl 

adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.

Recent Examples on the Web

The star winger, who carries a $9.5 million cap hit, played through a pair of major injuries — an adductor muscle that tore off the bone and a sports hernia — in the postseason. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025

Instead of a hernia, Gateway Pet Guardians' Dr. Kelsey Battelle initially found a testicle. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 24 May 2025

The club announced that Callender had undergone surgery for a sports hernia on Friday morning and the date of his return will be determined in the coming weeks. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025

What 4 families experienced Angela Palermo, third place, A doctor ‘botched’ her hernia repair. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 5 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hernia

• hiatal hernia

Kids Definition

hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē 

-nē-ˌī

: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē  -nē-ˌī 

: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia

hernial

-nē-əl 

adjective