loin

noun

ˈlȯin 

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

Choose the cut and the provenance of your pig (a lean loin from Hyōgo Prefecture, say, or a marbled cut from Kyushu) and let the pig whisperers do the rest. —Matt Goulding, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024

Get The Recipe 07 of 40 Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Pork loins are quite lean, which is why bacon is the secret weapon for keeping them extra juicy and flavorful. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2024

Chappell Roan showed up to the 2024 Video Music Awards with her loins girded and her sword unsheathed. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2024

For the main course, guests have the choice of a 45-day dry-aged 14-ounce strip loin of beef, Atlantic salmon, sous-vide turkey breast, or asparagus and pea risotto. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing loin

• short loin

Kids Definition

loin

noun

ˈlȯin 

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

ˈlȯin 

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