ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn 

1

: grown in

specifically : having the free tip or edge embedded in the flesh

an ingrown toenail

2

: having the direction of growth or activity or interest inward rather than outward

swarms of ingrown, infighting bureaucracies

—H. R. Cilley

ingrownness

(ˌ)in-ˈgrōn-nəs 

noun

Examples of ingrown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, here are a few and products that can quickly (and painlessly) help treat ingrown hairs. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 May 2025

This multi-use product is a buttery lotion that removes unwanted hair while also exfoliating to ensure smooth skin and a base that’s free of ingrown hairs. —Danielle Jackson, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025

The key to a great shave is to get really close to where those teeny-tiny hairs meet the skin, while having guardrails in place to reduce the razor burn that can lead to ingrown hairs, discomfort, and discoloration. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 27 Mar. 2025

This allows for a smoother shave and can help mitigate ingrown hairs. 5. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ingrown

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn 

: grown in

especially : having the free tip or edge grown back into the flesh

an ingrown toenail

Medical Definition

ingrown

adjective

in·​grown ˈin-ˌgrōn 

: grown in

specifically : having the normally free tip or edge embedded in the flesh

an ingrown toenail