plural chins
1
: the lower portion of the face lying below the lower lip and including the prominence of the lower jaw
2
: the surface beneath or between the branches of the lower jaw
see also take it on the chin
chinned; chinning
1
: to bring to or hold with the chin
chin a violin
2
: to raise (oneself) while hanging by the hands until the chin is level with the support
slang
: to talk idly
Examples of chin in a Sentence
Verb
the kind of work environment in which staffers can knock off early on Friday and chin with the boss
Recent Examples on the Web
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Over half of the uber-wealthy on Bloomberg’s index saw their fortunes plunge an average of 3.3 percent, with American billionaires really taking it on the chin.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for chin
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Noun
With layers that start below the chin and frame your face so flattering, this hairstyle is supposed to exude the self-assurance and effortlessly chic attitude of the quintessential 1990s model cuts (think Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer).
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Over half of the uber-wealthy on Bloomberg’s index saw their fortunes plunge an average of 3.3 percent, with American billionaires really taking it on the chin.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
But when done correctly, smoking is a lovely way to pass an evening chinning with a friend or tussling with a bit of writing.
—Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for chin
Cite this Entry
“Chin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chin. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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