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

Consider common procedures like an appendectomy or hernia repair. — Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Fraley has been out for more than a month with a hernia and Jonny DeLuca missed 22 games with a hamstring strain. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026

But when De Zerbi took over, and Vicario required hernia surgery, Kinsky became first choice for the run-in and produced a series of impressive performances to help Spurs leapfrog West Ham United to stay in the Premier League. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 24 June 2026

However, Matthew Tkachuk was already bound to miss at least the first 47 games recovering from surgery to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026

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