groin

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrȯin 

1

: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh

also : the region of this line

2

a

: the projecting curved line along which two intersecting vaults meet

b

: a rib that covers this edge

3

: a rigid structure built out from a shore to protect the shore from erosion, to trap sand, or to direct a current for scouring a channel

Illustration of groin

• groin 2a

groin

2 of 2

verb

groined; groining; groins

transitive verb

: to build or equip with groins

Examples of groin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kendricks saves the day The 49ers were down to third- and fourth-string linebackers after losing Fred Warner in October and his backup Tatum Bethune, in Week 18 to a groin injury. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Cornerback Kyler Gordon is questionable with a groin injury. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

The apparent hand injury comes just a week after Davis returned from a brief two-game absence with a groin injury suffered during Dallas’ Christmas Day game. —Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026

During the game Tatum Bethune, who replaced Warner, was lost for the season with a groin tear. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of Middle English grynde, from Old English, abyss; akin to Old English grund ground

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1816, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for groin

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

Kids Definition

groin

1 of 2 noun

ˈgrȯin 

1

: the junction of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh or the part of the body around this junction

2

: the curved line or rib on a ceiling along which two vaults meet

groin

2 of 2 verb

: to build or equip with groins

Medical Definition

groin

noun

ˈgrȯin 

: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh

also : the region of this line