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

Carter missed summer league and the start of the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025

The Reds called him up that May and his promising rookie year ended in September after he was diagnosed with a torn labrum. —C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 10 July 2025

Folks with acute back pain, disc issues (include herniations, bulgings, and protrusions), and hip labrum injuries, should check with a medical pro first before doing this move, Dr. Yu says. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 19 June 2025

Then, after seemingly recovering from the injury, Ohtani tore his labrum in his left shoulder on an awkward slide during last year’s World Series. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 17 June 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