WordGarden.iochin
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈɪn/
US
- /ˈtʃɪn/
Meanings
Noun
the part of the face below the lower lip
(informal)a fighter's ability to absorb punches without being knocked out
Verb
to pull oneself up until the chin is above a bar
Beyond the definition
The chin is that determined-looking bit at the very bottom of your face—the bony prominence right under your mouth! It's more than just a facial feature, though. We often talk about someone "holding their chin high" when they're being brave or proud, or saying "chin up!" as encouragement during tough times. A strong chin is traditionally seen as a sign of strength and resolve. You can touch your chin while thinking, see it highlighted in a portrait, or notice a "double chin" if you've been enjoying a few too many treats lately. It also shows up in the well-worn idiom "take it on the chin," which means to accept trouble or criticism without complaining.
The chin is the bony projection at the front of the lower jaw. Anatomically speaking, it's formed by the mental protuberance—a fancy way of saying the part of the jawbone that sticks out! But beyond its biological structure, the chin carries a lot of symbolic weight in our culture.
Historically, a prominent chin has been associated with strength, stubbornness, and leadership. Think about sculptures of Roman emperors; they're often depicted with very strong chins to convey power and authority. We use phrases like "keep your chin up" to encourage someone who is feeling down, suggesting that physical posture can reflect resilience and optimism. Conversely, to "take it on the chin" describes the act of enduring a difficult situation—or even a literal blow—with courage.
While "chin" is primarily a noun, it can function as a verb in specific contexts. In some varieties of English, "to chin" someone can mean to punch them on the chin, while in the world of fitness, you might talk about getting your chin over the bar during a chin-up. So, the chin is more than just bone and skin; it's a feature that speaks volumes about character, emotion, and even how we face life's challenges. It's a small part of our face with a surprisingly big presence!
Examples
- 1
Thinking gesture
He scratched his chin and looked at the map again.
- 2
Resting posture
She rested her chin on her hands while she listened.
- 3
Injury
The little boy fell off his bike and cut his chin.
- 4
Defiant gesture
He lifted his chin and refused to apologize.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Encouragement
Keep your chin up. You'll find another job soon.
- Phrasekeep your chin up
stay cheerful in a difficult situation
- 6
Accepting criticism
She took the criticism on the chin and carried on working.
- Phrasetake X on the chin
accept something unpleasant bravely
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- chinnounverb
Forms
- chinspluralnounverb
- chinnedpast tenseverbnoun
- chinning-ing formverbnoun