loin

noun

ˈlȯin 

1

a

: the part of a human being or quadruped on each side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the false ribs

b

: a cut of meat comprising this part of one or both sides of a carcass with the adjoining half of the vertebrae included but without the flank

2

loins plural

a

: the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips

b(1)

: the pubic region

(2)

: the reproductive organs

Examples of loin in a Sentence

There was a towel wrapped around his loins.

Recent Examples on the Web

Or order dishes from their blackboard menus—including prego do lombo, loin steak sandwich, or xerem de raia—skate with corn kernels. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

This is one of the best weeks for singles to line up many sexy suitors — one of them could truly captivate your heart and your loins! —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

It's made by taking the pork loin and pork belly and fusing them together to create what can best be described as a combination of American and Canadian bacon. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2025

Age and cut: Younger animals tend to have lighter-colored meat, while some cuts (like the shoulder or loin) may naturally have more pigment and appear pink after cooking. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loyne, from Anglo-French loigne, from Vulgar Latin *lumbea, from Latin lumbus; akin to Old English lendenu loins, Old Church Slavic lędviję

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing loin

• short loin

Rhymes for loin

• coin
• coyne
• groin
• join
• koine
• moine
• moyen
• quoin
• adjoin
• benzoin
• bitcoin
• conjoin

Kids Definition

loin

noun

ˈlȯin 

1

a

: the part of the body on each side of the spinal column between the hip and the lower ribs

b

: a cut of meat (as beef) from the loin of an animal

2

plural

a

: the pubic region

b

: the organs of reproduction

Medical Definition

loin

noun

ˈlȯin 

1

: the part of the body of a human or a quadruped that is situated on each side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the false ribs

2

loins plural

a

: the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips

b(1)

: the pubic region

(2)

: the generative organs

—not usually used technically in senses 2a, b