sprain

1 of 2

noun

ˈsprān How to pronounce sprain (audio)
1
: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments
2
: a sprained condition

sprain

2 of 2

verb

sprained; spraining; sprains

transitive verb

: to injure by a sudden or severe twist

Examples of sprain 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 Magic were still without Anthony Black (right ankle sprain) on Wednesday night and will continue to be without Noah Penda (partially torn right hamstring) for an extended period. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 But Woodson has been limited by an ankle sprain suffered during Navy’s second game of the year against Florida Atlantic, allowing Gutierrez to take the reins. — Greg Luca, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
Jefferson sprained his left ankle in Minnesota’s Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but avoided a major injury. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 Injury update Mattingly said second baseman Luis Arraez will not be on the Wild Card Series roster after spraining his left ankle on Thursday. — CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sprain

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sprain was in 1601

Rhymes for sprain

See All Rhymes for sprain

Browse Nearby Words

Sprague's pipit
sprain
spraing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sprain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sprain. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sprain

1 of 2 noun
ˈsprān How to pronounce sprain (audio)
1
: a sudden or severe twisting of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments
2
: a condition that results from a sprain and is usually marked by pain and swelling

sprain

2 of 2 verb
: to injure by a sudden or severe twist

Medical Definition

sprain

1 of 2 noun
ˈsprān How to pronounce sprain (audio)
: a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint causing the stretching or tearing of ligaments and often rupture of blood vessels with hemorrhage into the tissues
also : the condition resulting from a sprain that is usually marked by swelling, inflammation, hemorrhage, and discoloration compare strain entry 3 sense b

sprain

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to weaken (a joint or ligament) by sudden and violent twisting or wrenching : stretch (ligaments) injuriously without dislocation of the joint

More from Merriam-Webster on sprain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sprain

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