Grin
/ɡrɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo smile broadly, revealing the teeth.
/ɡrɪn/
To smile broadly, showing teeth.
He grinned with delight when he saw his birthday presents.
💡 Simply: Grinning is like when you show your teeth because you're happy or think something is funny. Like when your best friend tells a silly joke, and you grin!
👶 For kids: When you grin, you smile a big smile and show your teeth!
More Examples
The dog grinned at the familiar sound of its owner's voice.
She couldn't help but grin when she saw the funny picture.
How It's Used
"She grinned at the joke."
"The Cheshire Cat grinned mysteriously."
A broad, open smile.
/ɡrɪn/
A broad smile.
She gave a wide grin.
💡 Simply: A grin is a really big smile, like the biggest one you can make!
👶 For kids: A grin is a big happy smile.
More Examples
His grin revealed his white teeth.
A sudden grin crossed his face.
How It's Used
"Her face broke into a wide grin."
"A mischievous grin spread across his face."
Idioms & expressions
grin and bear it
To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation with fortitude, without complaining.
"The doctor told him to grin and bear the pain."
From Old English *grinian*, related to *grīnan* (to gnash the teeth), Proto-Germanic *grin-anan*. The evolution suggests an association with showing teeth, possibly in a hostile or playful manner.
Used in Middle English and Old English, often associated with an expression of emotion or a display of teeth.
Memory tip
Think of the Cheshire Cat's wide, toothy smile.