labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the shoulder girdle

Examples of labrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But a right shoulder labrum tear derailed Andujar in 2019 and Andujar was never able to grab a starting job again in New York. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Senior Shae Johnson, the 2024 pitcher of the year in the NSC, returns to the circle after not pitching last season due to a torn labrum. —Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Dugas repaired Gonzalez’s right labrum in 2023, a season-ending surgery, and has operated on several current and former Red Sox, including right-handers Garrett Whitlock and Lucas Giolito in 2024. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026

Doctors repaired a massive tear in his labrum, shaved down some bone to open up his hip capsule and addressed two micro fractures. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip, edge — more at lip

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for labrum

• candelabrum

Kids Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

: the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

Medical Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

plural labra -brə 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a fibrous ring of cartilage attached to the rim of a joint: as

a

: glenoid labrum

b

: acetabular labrum