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

But he had a starring role in the opening ceremony of the competition on Wednesday night, standing contrite before the assembled grinning beauty queens where he offered an apology.

Read more on Barron's

Even legendary Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, watching with a broad grin in the stands, would have been proud of such a sublime finish.

Read more on Barron's

Now, as third baseman Max Muncy said with a devious grin from atop a makeshift stage in the Dodger Stadium outfield, “it’s starting to get a little bit comfortable up here. Let’s keep it going.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A goofy grin stretched across the dog’s face and he let out a happy yelp.

Read more on Literature

It's not long since Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, was grinning on the Buckingham Palace balcony, waving to the crowds.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• smirk