ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
1
: grown in
specifically : having the free tip or edge embedded in the flesh
an ingrown toenail
2
: having the direction of growth or activity or interest inward rather than outward
swarms of ingrown, infighting bureaucraciesH. R. Cilley
ingrownness noun

Examples of ingrown in a Sentence

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.
Both of these acids also exfoliate the skin to help prevent pesky ingrown hairs from cropping up and reduce hyperpigmentation. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 23 July 2025 There’s no denying ingrown hairs are a pain—especially around the bikini line—but the best ingrown hair treatments can soothe irritation and, with consistent use, help prevent them from showing up at all. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 19 July 2025 When trimming nails, trim straight across to avoid ingrown nails at the edges. Isabel Casimiro, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025 Libby says that the two most important things to keep in mind when treating them are unclogging pores and minimizing ingrown hairs. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingrown

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingrown was in 1670

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Cite this Entry

“Ingrown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingrown. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

ingrown

adjective
in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
: grown in
especially : having the free tip or edge grown back into the flesh
an ingrown toenail

Medical Definition

ingrown

adjective
in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn How to pronounce ingrown (audio)
: grown in
specifically : having the normally free tip or edge embedded in the flesh
an ingrown toenail

More from Merriam-Webster on ingrown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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