1
a
: the part of a human being or quadruped on each side of the spinal column between the hip bone 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
loins plural
a
: the upper and lower abdominal regions and the region about the hips
b(1)
: the pubic region
(2)
: the reproductive organs

Examples of loin in a Sentence

There was a towel wrapped around his loins.
Recent Examples on the Web Start with shrimp and smelt fritto misto or Caprese salad, move on to ravioli stuffed with sweet corn and lobster or a quick-cooking pizza topped with yellow tomatoes and burrata, then dig in to roasted pork loin with peaches and mustard greens. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 July 2024 Instead, the diets emphasize eating healthy, oily fish, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the brain, along with lean meats such as poultry and pork loin. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 31 July 2024 Guests were also treated to sit-down plates featuring loin with black rice, mixed peppers and crispy kale as well as beef tenderloin medallions with a portobello reduction served with mushroom risotto. Stacy Lambe, Peoplemag, 31 July 2024 On one hand, the other concern is the left, which should be girding its loins to do battle. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for loin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English loyne, from Anglo-French loigne, from Vulgar Latin *lumbea, from Latin lumbus; akin to Old English lendenu loins, Old Church Slavonic lędviję

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of loin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near loin

Cite this Entry

“Loin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loin. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

loin

noun
1
a
: the part of the body on each side of the spinal column between the hip and the lower ribs
b
: a cut of meat (as beef) from the loin of an animal
2
plural
a
: the pubic region
b
: the organs of reproduction

Medical Definition

loin

noun
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 plural
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

More from Merriam-Webster on loin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!