grin
grihn
Grin (noun) means a wide smile that shows the teeth. Example: “A huge grin spread across her face when she opened the gift.”
noun
1
A wide smile that shows the teeth.
"A huge grin spread across her face when she opened the gift."
verb
1
To smile broadly, showing the teeth.
"He grinned from ear to ear after winning the race."
"She couldn't stop grinning at the good news."
How to use grin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, teeth-showing smile, or the act of flashing one.
Common pairings
a wide grin
grin from ear to ear
grin and bear it
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like grin.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- grins
- Third person singular
- grins
- Past tense
- grinned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A huge _____ spread across her face when she opened the gift.
Etymology
From Old English grennian, originally meaning to bare the teeth like a snarling animal — the word softened over time from a hostile grimace into today's friendly, toothy smile.
Related words
Rhymes for grin
See all rhymes for grin →Frequently asked questions
What does “grin” mean?
The word “grin” means a wide smile that shows the teeth. In plain terms, a big, teeth-showing smile, or the act of flashing one.
How do you pronounce “grin”?
“Grin” is pronounced grihn (/ɡɹɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “grin” in a sentence?
Here is “grin” used in a sentence: “A huge grin spread across her face when she opened the gift.”
What part of speech is “grin”?
Depending on how it is used, “grin” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grin” come from?
The word “grin” comes from Old English. From Old English grennian, originally meaning to bare the teeth like a snarling animal — the word softened over time from a hostile grimace into today's friendly, toothy smile.
Is “grin” a common word?
“Grin” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “grin” have?
“Grin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wide smile that shows the teeth.
What is the difference between a "grin" and a "smile"?
A "grin" is specifically a wide smile that shows the teeth, often suggesting amusement, mischief, or delight, while a "smile" is a more general term that can be small, closed-lipped, or subtle. All grins are smiles, but not all smiles are grins.
What is the difference between "grin" and "smirk"?
A "grin" is typically a genuine, wide, tooth-showing smile expressing happiness or amusement, while a "smirk" is a smug, self-satisfied, or knowing half-smile. A smirk often carries a slightly negative or teasing connotation that "grin" doesn't usually have.
Can "grin" be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, "grin" works as a noun, as in "she had a wide grin on her face," and as a verb, as in "he grinned at the joke." Both forms describe the same broad, tooth-showing smile.
