ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
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 bureaucraciesH. R. Cilley
ingrownness noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Constantly wearing tighter clothes can create friction in the bikini area, which can eventually lead to ingrown hairs or irritation. Maddy Zollo Rusbosin, Women's Health, 28 Feb. 2023 Bevel was developed to help men who suffer from chronic ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially those with especially curly hair. Men's Health, 16 Feb. 2023 So Kitsch designed this plastic-free Perfect Glide Safety Razor, which features a single stainless blade and a copper handle, to achieve a smoother shave and prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. Lisa Desantis, Allure, 14 Feb. 2023 An ingrown hair is a strand that grows back into your skin. Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 4 Feb. 2023 Our brow consultant Soledad Alberti also named it the best at removing ingrown hairs. Birnur K. Aral, Good Housekeeping, 13 Jan. 2023 Fur specializes in skincare products to soften coarse hair and treat ingrown hairs. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 31 Dec. 2022 Electric razors are also better at preventing ingrown hairs because there is a less margin of user error. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 For example, ingrown hairs don’t stand a chance against Fur’s hair-softening oil. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ingrown.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingrown was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near ingrown

Cite this Entry

“Ingrown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingrown. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

ingrown

adjective
in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
: grown in
specifically : having the normally free tip or edge embedded in the flesh
an ingrown toenail

More from Merriam-Webster on ingrown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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