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

• 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

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

Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen is expected to miss Saturday's match at Everton, having had minor groin surgery in Munich following the mistake he made during the defeat by Paris St‑Germain.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The forward began struggling with a painful, recurring groin issue at the end of last season.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández admitted he played through a nagging left groin injury last year, which forced him to miss time early in the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

There was fungus, too, issuing out of the cracks, and in the groin of a branch, in weird, spongy shapes.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill