chin
Chin (noun) means the part of the face below the mouth, forming the bottom of the jaw. Example: “He rested his chin on his hands while he thought.”
How to use chin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe lowest part of the face, under the mouth.
Word forms
chinned past tense, chins plural, chins plural, chins singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He rested his _____ on his hands while he thought.
Etymology
From Old English ċinn, related to Latin gena and Greek génus, all ultimately meaning "jaw" or "chin".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for chin
See all rhymes for chin →Frequently asked questions
What does “chin” mean?
The word “chin” means the part of the face below the mouth, forming the bottom of the jaw. In plain terms, the lowest part of the face, under the mouth.
How do you pronounce “chin”?
“Chin” is pronounced CHIHN (/ˈt͡ʃɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “chin” in a sentence?
Here is “chin” used in a sentence: “He rested his chin on his hands while he thought.”
What part of speech is “chin”?
Depending on how it is used, “chin” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chin” come from?
The word “chin” comes from Latin. From Old English ċinn, related to Latin gena and Greek génus, all ultimately meaning "jaw" or "chin".
Is “chin” a common word?
“Chin” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “chin” have?
“Chin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part of the face below the mouth, forming the bottom of the jaw.
What is the difference between the chin and the jaw?
The chin is the part of the face below the mouth, forming the bottom of the jaw. The jaw is the larger bony structure that holds the teeth and moves when you chew and speak. So the chin is one visible feature of the lower jaw rather than a separate structure.
What is the difference between a chin-up and a pull-up?
Both involve pulling your body up while hanging from a bar — which is also what the verb chin means. In common gym usage, a chin-up is done with palms facing toward you and a pull-up with palms facing away. The chin-up grip generally works the biceps more.