sprain

1 of 2

noun

ˈsprān 

1

: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments

2

: a sprained condition

sprain

2 of 2

verb

sprained; spraining; sprains

transitive verb

: to injure by a sudden or severe twist

Examples of sprain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This week marked four weeks since Franz Wagner suffered a left high ankle sprain and one year since older brother Moe Wagner, underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026

Boston ruled Minott out for its matchup against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden with a left ankle sprain. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

Verb

After a night out and a few too many drinks, Poppy falls over a sidewalk curb and sprains her ankle. —Ashley Boucher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026

The Bulls also said center Zach Collins (sprained right toe) will be reevaluated in 10 days. —CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1622, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sprain

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

sprain

1 of 2 noun

ˈsprān 

1

: a sudden or severe twisting of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments

2

: a condition that results from a sprain and is usually marked by pain and swelling

sprain

2 of 2 verb

: to injure by a sudden or severe twist

Medical Definition

sprain

1 of 2 noun

ˈsprān 

: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint causing the stretching or tearing of ligaments and often rupture of blood vessels with hemorrhage into the tissues

also : the condition resulting from a sprain that is usually marked by swelling, inflammation, hemorrhage, and discoloration compare strain entry 3 sense b

sprain

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to weaken (a joint or ligament) by sudden and violent twisting or wrenching : stretch (ligaments) injuriously without dislocation of the joint