hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē  -nē-ˌī 

: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial

ˈhər-nē-əl 

adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shortstop Trevor Story, who’s been out since May following surgery for a sports hernia, began a rehab assignment over the weekend for Triple A Worcester. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

San Francisco announced on Monday that third baseman Matt Chapman, as expected, will undergo season-ending surgery to address a hernia and tear in the right side of his abdomen. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

About to turn 50, with a body falling apart and the feeling that his life is a fraud, his doctor forbids him from lifting more than three kilos due to a hernia. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Kenyon Sadiq’s recovery from spring hernia surgery has hit a snag. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hernia

• hiatal hernia

Kids Definition

hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē 

-nē-ˌī

: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə 

plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē  -nē-ˌī 

: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia

hernial

-nē-əl 

adjective