grin

¹

[grin]

verb (used without object)

grinned, grinning 

1. to smile broadly, especially as an indication of pleasure, amusement, or the like.

   Synonyms: crack a smile, smirk, smile, beam
   Antonyms: glare, frown

2. to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth, as a snarling dog or a person in pain.

3. to show or be exposed through an opening, crevice, etc.

verb (used with object)

grinned, grinning 

1. to express or produce by grinning.

   The little boy grinned his approval of the gift.

noun

1. a broad smile.

2. the act of producing a broad smile.

3. the act of withdrawing the lips and showing the teeth, as in anger or pain.

grin

²

[grin]

noun

1. Chiefly Scot.,  a snare like a running noose.

verb (used with object)

grinned, grinning 

1. Archaic.,  to catch in a nooselike snare.

grin

/ ɡrɪn /

verb

1. to smile with the lips drawn back revealing the teeth or express (something) by such a smile

   to grin a welcome

2. (intr) to draw back the lips revealing the teeth, as in a snarl or grimace

3. informal,  to suffer trouble or hardship without complaint

noun

1. a broad smile

2. a snarl or grimace

Other Word Forms

• grinner noun
• grinningly adverb
• grinning adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grin¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English grinnen, grennen, Old English grennian; cognate with Old High German grennan “to mutter”

Origin of grin²

First recorded before 900; Middle English grin(e), grinne, Old English grin, gryn

Word History and Origins

Origin of grin¹

Old English grennian; related to Old High German grennen to snarl, Old Norse grenja to howl; see _grunt

Synonym Study

See laugh.

Example Sentences

Indeed, when asked who he had in mind when writing that line about the sadness of white men who care, Harjo gently grinned and answered, “Everyone I know.”

Read more on Salon

Some seem to be smiling, reminiscent of the merry onlookers grinning for the camera in grisly lynching photos.

Read more on Salon

“Who else is putting that in a pop song?” she says, grinning.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Ca va?" says Ahmed, testing out his shaky French, with a grin, as he welcomes us at the entrance of the apartment block, a few weeks later.

Read more on BBC

“I still feel like I can get people out this next month if I need to,” Kershaw said, before cracking a grin: “And then, I don’t have to do that anymore.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• smirk