hernia

noun

her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae ˈhər-nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: a protrusion of an organ or part (such as the intestine) through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity (as of the abdomen) in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

hernial
ˈhər-nē-əl How to pronounce hernia (audio)
adjective

Examples of hernia in a Sentence

He was treated for hernia.
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.
Most people with inguinal hernias will need surgery at some point to patch up their weak abdominal wall. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026 According to the Cleveland Clinic, a hernia occurs when part of an organ (usually the intestine) protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 Consider common procedures like an appendectomy or hernia repair. — Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Fraley has been out for more than a month with a hernia and Jonny DeLuca missed 22 games with a hamstring strain. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hernia

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hernia, hernie, hirnia, borrowed from Latin hernia, hirnia, of uncertain origin

Note: See note at haruspex.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing hernia

Browse Nearby Words

Herne
hernia
Herniaria
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hernia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hernia. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio)
-nē-ˌī
: a sticking out of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

Medical Definition

hernia

noun
her·​nia ˈhər-nē-ə How to pronounce hernia (audio)
plural hernias or herniae -nē-ˌē How to pronounce hernia (audio) -nē-ˌī How to pronounce hernia (audio)
: a protrusion of an organ or part through connective tissue or through a wall of the cavity in which it is normally enclosed

called also rupture

see abdominal hernia, hiatal hernia, strangulated hernia
hernial
-nē-əl How to pronounce hernia (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hernia

Nglish: Translation of hernia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hernia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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