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

In addition to his spinal injury, Brown sustained two broken bones in his left arm and a labrum tear. —Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025

The collision resulted in a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder for the 22-year-old wideout, keeping him off the field for the Chiefs' next two games. —Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Of significance for the NHL roster is Braden Schneider, who’s recovering from surgery on his right labrum. —Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025

After winning the High-A Northwest League pitcher of the year award last year with High-A Spokane, Sullivan underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his right hip. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025

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