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

Additionally, Jenkins notes that ingrown hairs and experiencing coarser hair growth can become a factor. —Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026

This beard oil helps prevent ingrown hairs and makes facial hair feel softer to the touch. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 10 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

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