labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a ring of fibrous cartilage forming the margin of the shallow cavity of the upper part of the scapula by which the humerus articulates with the shoulder girdle

Examples of labrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On offense, receiver Xavier Worthy also played despite suffering a torn labrum in Week 1, which affected how the Chiefs used him. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Kessler, who played only five games last season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, is aware the Lakers paid a big price to get him. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Instead, Crawford underwent surgery that September to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Glover began the year recovering from surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, and to put together a round like his 63 was encouraging to know good golf is still in there. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip, edge — more at lip

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for labrum

• candelabrum

Kids Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

: the upper mouthpart of an arthropod in front of or above the mandibles

Medical Definition

labrum

noun

la·​brum ˈlā-brəm 

plural labra -brə 

1

: an upper or anterior mouthpart of an arthropod consisting of a single median piece in front of or above the mandibles

2

: a fibrous ring of cartilage attached to the rim of a joint: as

a

: glenoid labrum

b

: acetabular labrum