Shin

/ʃɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The front part of the leg below the knee.

He felt a sharp pain in his shin after he tripped on the sidewalk.

The corresponding part of the leg of an animal; specifically, the lower leg.

The butcher prepared the shin of beef for the stew.

verb

To strike one's shin, typically against a hard object.

I shinned the table leg when I walked by too closely.

Old English 'scinna', related to Old High German 'scinna' meaning 'shin'.

shin splints:

A condition causing pain along the shin bone, often related to exercise.

shin up:

To climb quickly, usually by using one's legs and arms.

A term for leg in some informal contexts.

After the hike, my shins were sore.

Referring to someone who is tall and thin.

Look at him, he's got shins for days!