ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
1
: grown in
specifically : having the free tip or edge embedded in the flesh
an ingrown toenail
2
: having the direction of growth or activity or interest inward rather than outward
… swarms of ingrown, infighting bureaucracies …—H. R. Cilley
ingrownness
(ˌ)in-ˈgrōn-nəs How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
noun

Examples of ingrown 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.
This beard oil helps prevent ingrown hairs and makes facial hair feel softer to the touch. — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 14 June 2026 Dealing with razor burn, ingrown hairs, and post-shave irritation? — Sara Coughlin, Allure, 30 June 2026 Clip straight across your nail Instead of cutting your nails in an oval shape, cut them straight across to avoid an ingrown nail, which is when the nail curves and grows into your skin. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026 Light exfoliation can help release ingrown hairs. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingrown

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingrown was in 1670

Rhymes for ingrown

See All Rhymes for ingrown

Browse Nearby Words

ingrowing
ingrown
ingrown meander
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Cite this Entry

“Ingrown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingrown. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ingrown

adjective
in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
: grown in
especially : having the free tip or edge grown back into the flesh
an ingrown toenail

Medical Definition

ingrown

adjective
in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
: grown in
specifically : having the normally free tip or edge embedded in the flesh
an ingrown toenail

More from Merriam-Webster on ingrown

Nglish: Translation of ingrown for Spanish Speakers

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