chin

1 of 2

noun

plural chins
1
: the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the prominence of the lower jaw
2
: the surface beneath or between the branches of the lower jaw
chinless adjective

see also take it on the chin

chin

2 of 2

verb

chinned; chinning

transitive verb

1
: to bring to or hold with the chin
chin a violin
2
: to raise (oneself) while hanging by the hands until the chin is level with the support

intransitive verb

slang : to talk idly

Examples of chin in a Sentence

Verb the kind of work environment in which staffers can knock off early on Friday and chin with the boss
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
What To Know Several reporters tried to question Balmer as he was led out of the courthouse, but the suspect remained silent, only breaking his impassive stare by rolling his eyes upward into the back of his head and pushing out his tongue to cover his chin. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 The one glaring weakness in Pimblett’s previous outings, his inability or unwillingness to tuck his chin when involved in a striking battle, was not noticeable at UFC 314. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
The cover—a monochrome portrait of Jobs, closed hand to chin, with a multicolor Fortune logo layered over it—has become an instantly recognizable icon of tech. Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 This sort of confidence, this sort of chest out, chin up. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for chin

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English cinn; akin to Old High German kinni chin, Latin gena cheek, Greek genys jaw, cheek

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1869, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chin was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chin. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

chin

noun
ˈchin
: the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the pointed part of the lower jaw

Medical Definition

chin

noun
: the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the prominence of the lower jaw

called also mentum

chinless adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on chin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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