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

Earlier this year, Bindi Irwin said in an Instagram post that she's had over 50 endometriosis lesions as well as a cyst on her ovary removed, in addition to an appendectomy and a hernia repair. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 5 May 2026

Guglielmo Vicario, however, is not yet fit enough to make the squad after undergoing hernia surgery over the March international break. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 1 May 2026

During the draft process, he was limited with a hernia and groin issue. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026

In March 2024, Netanyahu underwent surgery to treat a hernia. —Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 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