loins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Technical (butchery/meat)
Quick answer
What does “loins” mean?
The area of the body on both sides of the spine between the ribs and the pelvis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The area of the body on both sides of the spine between the ribs and the pelvis; the lower abdominal region.
1. The part of the body regarded as the source of strength and reproductive power. 2. In culinary contexts, a cut of meat from this area of an animal, especially pork.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The culinary cut ('loin') is common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries strong archaic, biblical, or literary connotations when used figuratively. In the US, 'tenderloin' as a meat cut or district name is more common.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British English due to the enduring use of the Authorized (King James) Bible.
Grammar
How to Use “loins” in a Sentence
gird [POSSESSIVE] loinsfruit of [POSSESSIVE] loins[ADJECTIVE] loinsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loins” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A loin chop is best grilled.
American English
- The recipe calls for a boneless loin roast.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except perhaps in the meat industry ('pork loin sales').
Academic
Rare, found in historical, literary, or theological texts. In biology/medicine, 'lumbar region' is preferred.
Everyday
Extremely rare. If used, it is in the fixed idiom 'gird your loins' meaning to prepare for action.
Technical
Used in butchery for cuts of meat (e.g., 'loin of pork', 'beef short loin'). In anatomy, 'lumbar' is the standard term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loins”
- Using 'loin' (singular) to refer to the body part in modern English (use 'loins'). Confusing 'loins' with 'groin'. Using it in casual speech where 'back' or 'waist' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the body area, the plural 'loins' is standard in modern English, especially in figurative use. The singular 'loin' is used for cuts of meat (pork loin) or in compound words (loincloth).
It is an idiom meaning to prepare yourself for a difficult task or action. It originates from the ancient practice of tying up long robes around the waist to allow free movement for work or battle.
It would sound very archaic or poetic. In a medical or everyday context, you should use 'lower back pain' or 'pain in the small of my back'.
It is a formal, often biblical, phrase meaning one's children or descendants.
The area of the body on both sides of the spine between the ribs and the pelvis.
Loins is usually formal, literary, technical (butchery/meat) in register.
Loins: in British English it is pronounced /lɔɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɔɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gird (up) one's loins”
- “fruit of one's loins”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LION has a strong back. 'LOINS' sounds like 'lion's' back – the powerful lower back area.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SOURCE OF POWER AND PROGENY (e.g., 'fruit of his loins' = his children). PREPARATION IS GIRDING/TYING CLOTHING (e.g., 'gird your loins' = prepare mentally).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'loins' MOST likely to be used in modern English?