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

He’d been diagnosed with a serious type of hernia that was causing his stomach to bulge into his chest through his diaphragm, according to court records. —Amber Gaudet updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

That's when the hernia was discovered. —CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

And Latz has the ability to pitch more than an inning in relief, an asset that could prove especially valuable early in the season if Nathan Eovaldi, coming back from sports hernia surgery, and perhaps another starter are closely monitored. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026

That’s coming off a 2024-25 season nearly lost entirely to groin and sports hernia surgeries. —Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 Jan. 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