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

Some sports hernias require surgery. —David O'Brien, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Texas native underwent sports hernia surgery during the offseason. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the conservationist revealed the removal of 51 endometriosis lesions, a chocolate cyst, her appendix, and repair of a hernia from childbirth. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Callender, 27, has been injured most of this season, started only three games and has been out since having sports hernia surgery in April. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025

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