# groin

/ˈɡɹɔɪn/ (US) · /ɡɹˈɔɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/groin
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. body part

noun · CEFR B2

the area of the body where the legs join the torso.

For teachers: the crease or depression at the junction of the human trunk and the thigh, including the surrounding inguinal region.

- The athlete had to stop playing because of a painful groin strain.
- The surgeon noted significant swelling in the patient's right groin, suggesting a possible hernia that required immediate attention.

### 2. genitals

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a polite or indirect way to talk about a person's private parts.

For teachers: a euphemistic reference to the external genitalia.

- The player accidentally kicked the ball into his opponent's groin.
- The comedian made a series of crude jokes involving injuries to the groin, which the audience found surprisingly hilarious.

### 3. architecture

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the curved edge where two arched ceilings meet each other.

For teachers: the projecting solid angle or edge formed by the intersection of two vaults.

- The old cathedral features beautiful stone groins where the arches cross.
- The architect carefully calculated the stress points at each groin to ensure the vaulted ceiling could support the weight of the roof.

### 4. coastal barrier

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

a low wall built out into the sea to stop the sand from washing away.

For teachers: a low wall or sturdy barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting.

- The city built several wooden groins to protect the beach from the winter storms.
- Environmentalists debated whether the installation of concrete groins would disrupt the local ecosystem while attempting to prevent coastal erosion.

Usage: Spelled 'groyne' in British English.

Teaching tip: Learners should be aware that 'groyne' is the standard spelling in the UK, while 'groin' is used in the US for both the body part and the coastal structure.

### 5. to hit

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

to hit someone in the area between their legs.

For teachers: to deliver a forceful blow to the genitals of another person.

- In the movie, the hero groins the villain to escape.
- The fight ended abruptly when one participant managed to groin the other, leaving him incapacitated on the floor.

## Examples

- He pulled a muscle in his groin while playing soccer.
- The athlete underwent surgery to repair a persistent groin injury that had sidelined him for the entire season.
- The cathedral's ceiling features intricate stone groins that distribute the weight of the roof while creating a striking visual pattern for those looking up from the nave.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.