1
a
: the part of a human being or quadruped on each side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the false ribs
b
: a cut of meat comprising this part of one or both sides of a carcass with the adjoining half of the vertebrae included but without the flank
2
loins plural
a
: the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips
b(1)
: the pubic region
(2)
: the reproductive organs

Examples of loin in a Sentence

There was a towel wrapped around his loins.
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.
Someone who lights your heart and loins aflame is out there! Kyle Thomas, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024 And looks are clearly a high priority; the motorcycle world is riddled with machines that stir the heart and the loins with extraordinary beauty, but that'd be a royal pain in the butt to live with and ride every day. New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024 Stanley Tucci has fans girding their loins over his potential involvement in The Devil Wears Prada sequel. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 Get the Bahn Mi, featuring Johnston’s farm seasoned pork loin and belly. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loin 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loyne, from Anglo-French loigne, from Vulgar Latin *lumbea, from Latin lumbus; akin to Old English lendenu loins, Old Church Slavic lędviję

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of loin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near loin

Cite this Entry

“Loin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loin. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

loin

noun
1
a
: the part of the body on each side of the spinal column between the hip and the lower ribs
b
: a cut of meat (as beef) from the loin of an animal
2
plural
a
: the pubic region
b
: the organs of reproduction

Medical Definition

loin

noun
1
: the part of the body of a human or a quadruped that is situated on each side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the false ribs
2
loins plural
a
: the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips
b(1)
: the pubic region
(2)
: the generative organs
not usually used technically in senses 2a, b

More from Merriam-Webster on loin

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!