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

Goalkeeper Drake Callender, who has missed almost all season and is coming off sports hernia surgery, trained with the team Tuesday. —Miami Herald, 8 July 2025

Less invasive procedures such as cataract surgery, colonoscopy, gallbladder removal and hernia repair, among others, are common at these outpatient facilities. —Newsweek Rankings, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

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

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