hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.
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.
CaBot diagnosed an obstruction in the small intestines, possibly owing to volvulus or a hernia. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 In the series, Ariel also suffers from a hernia. John Hopewell, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 Elsewhere in the Championship, Patrick Agyemang made his debut for Derby County after missing the start of the season recovering from a hernia issue. Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 In one case, a prisoner reported severe hernia pain, but weeks passed without any clinical assessment. Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hernia

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hernia was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hernia. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-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 How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hernia

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