ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn 

1

: grown in

specifically : having the free tip or edge embedded in the flesh

an ingrown toenail

2

: having the direction of growth or activity or interest inward rather than outward

… swarms of ingrown, infighting bureaucracies …

—H. R. Cilley

ingrownness

(ˌ)in-ˈgrōn-nəs 

noun

Examples of ingrown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The line tackles everyday concerns such as hair loss, dandruff, patchy beards, ingrown hairs, razor bumps with solutions that honor the unique needs of textured hair and melanated skin. —Essence, 2 Dec. 2025

Are ingrown-hair extraction videos on Facebook a TV show? —Morgan Bassichis, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

The brand’s Smoothing Solution doubles as an ingrown hair treatment, visibly soothing razor bumps and razor burn. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025

Common Uses and Benefits of Epsom Salt People use Epsom salt for various ailments, including arthritis, ingrown toenails, sunburns, and minor injuries like bruises, scratches, and sprains. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ingrown

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn 

: grown in

especially : having the free tip or edge grown back into the flesh

an ingrown toenail

Medical Definition

ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn 

: grown in

specifically : having the normally free tip or edge embedded in the flesh

an ingrown toenail