First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
loin
noun \ˈlȯin\
: an area on the back of an animal's body near the tail
: meat from this area
loins : the area of a person's body that includes the sexual organs
Full Definition of LOIN
1
a : the part of a human being or quadruped on each side of the spinal column between the hipbone and the false ribs b : a cut of meat comprising this part of one or both sides of a carcass with the adjoining half of the vertebrae included but without the flank
2
plural a : the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips b (1) : the pubic region (2) : the reproductive organs
See loin defined for English-language learners
See loin defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LOIN
Middle English loyne, from Anglo-French loigne, from Vulgar Latin *lumbea, from Latin lumbus; akin to Old English lendenu loins, Old Church Slavic lędviję
LOIN Defined for Kids
loin
noun \ˈlȯin\
Definition of LOIN for Kids
1
: the part of the body between the hip and the lower ribs
2
: a piece of meat (as beef) from the loin of an animal
Medical Dictionary
loin
noun \ˈlȯin\
Medical Definition of LOIN
1
: the part of the body of a human or a quadruped that is situated on each side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the false ribs
2
loins pl a : the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips b (1) : the pubic region (2) : the generative organs—not usually used technically in senses 2a, b
Learn More About LOIN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up loin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).