groin

American  

[groin] / grɔɪn /

noun

1. Anatomy. the fold or hollow on either side of the front of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen.

2. the general region of this fold or hollow.

3. Architecture. the curved line or edge formed by the intersection of two vaults.

4. Also groyne a small jetty extending from a shore to prevent beach erosion.

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verb (used with object)

1. Architecture. to form with groins.

groin British  

/ ɡrɔɪn /

noun

1. the depression or fold where the legs join the abdomen

2. euphemistic the genitals, esp the testicles

3. a variant spelling (esp US) of groyne

4. architect a curved arris formed where two intersecting vaults meet

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verb

1. (tr) architect to provide or construct with groins

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• ungroined
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of groin

1350–1400; earlier grine, Middle English grinde; compare Old English grynde “abyss,” akin to grund “bottom, ground ¹ ”

Example Sentences

Both address bad valves without open-heart surgery, typically by going in through the femoral artery in the groin.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Last year, Hernández played in just one rehab game returning from a strained groin.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

Wallick wears a helmet and a cup when he goes water skiing, after once taking a hit to the groin that knocked him off his skis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Stokes has not played since he sustained a groin problem in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

This one made a brown streak against the stones, while Joffrey's hurried shot almost took Ser Preston in the groin.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin