groin

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrȯin How to pronounce groin (audio)
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 largest clusters sit at the neck and jaw, armpits, chest, abdomen, groin and behind the knees. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 Apply cold wet cloths to your neck, armpits and groin, where blood flow is highest, and keep sipping cool water. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026 Light fingertip circles at the armpits and groin crease open the two largest drainage clusters in the body before movement begins. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 Apply cold wet cloths to the neck, armpits and groin, the highest blood-flow areas, to accelerate cooling. — Allison Palmer updated June 25, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 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

Rhymes for groin

See All Rhymes for groin

Browse Nearby Words

grogshop
groin
grok
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

groin

1 of 2 noun
ˈgrȯin How to pronounce groin (audio)
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
ˈgrȯin How to pronounce groin (audio)
: 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

Nglish: Translation of groin for Spanish Speakers

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