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
Minutes later, a sprain the size of a coconut put me out of commission. — Brandon Withrow, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 Witt, who suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain on Thursday, seemed to be moving fine, which should be a relief. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Verb
The previous week, Al-Shaair sprained his right knee. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Moon had sprained his right ankle against Detroit in Week 1, then sat out a week. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 1 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of sprain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sprain

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