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

The star forward’s passing developed partly out of necessity after suffering labrum tears in both shoulders, the right in 2015 and the left in 2017. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025

The 6-foot Sara Tarr had her freshman year cut short by labrum surgery in her throwing shoulder. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025

Right-hander Michael Grove won’t pitch for the Dodgers this year after undergoing season-ending surgery last week to repair his right labrum. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025

How to avoid hip pain Injuries are another factor behind hip pain, primarily hip flexor injuries, hamstring injuries and labrum tears that can all affect the hips and lead to discomfort and pain. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 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