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
Star winger Matthew Tkachuk, who primarily played on Bennett’s line, hasn’t played since sustaining an apparent groin injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in mid-February. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025 Audiences loved Bernstein, but his full-bodied manner on the podium—arms, head, hips, shoulders, eyebrows, groin in motion—caused embarrassment and even anger. David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025 Knicks guard Miles McBride missed his third straight game with a left groin contusion and sat Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the second leg of a back-to-back after New York’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025 In her very first dinner service, Alex is coerced into patting down a man’s groin with a tea towel. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Mar. 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 Words

Cite this Entry

“Groin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groin. Accessed 16 Apr. 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

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