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 bureaucracies …H. 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.
Exfoliation helps to reduce acne, ingrown hairs, stretch marks, and scarring and stimulates lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce inflammation, helps to increase blood circulation, promotes collagen and elastin, and so much more. ABC News, 19 May 2026 Light exfoliation can help release ingrown hairs. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 May 2026 Pain That Feels Disproportionate HS lesions are often deeper and more painful than typical pimples or ingrown hairs. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026 From removing splinters or opening bandages, to snagging ingrown hairs and tightening eyeglass screws, tweezers are one of those travel essentials that my mom never regrets packing. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026 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 29 May. 2026.

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

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