groin

1 of 2

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The veteran right fielder was stellar for the Mets in 2022, the first year of his four-year pact, but groin and knee injuries significantly limited his production over the last two years. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025 But Davis sustained a groin injury in his debut for Dallas and will be sidelined at least through the All-Star break. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 Randle also is out for the next few weeks because of a strained groin. Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 Someone threw a water bottle at Harry Styles' 2022 show in Chicago, hitting him in the groin, the New York Post reported at the time. Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for groin

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of groin was circa 1532

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Groin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groin. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

groin

1 of 2 noun
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
: the fold or depression marking the juncture of the lower abdomen and the inner part of the thigh
also : the region of this line

More from Merriam-Webster on groin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!