IPA: /ɡrɪn/
KK: /grɪn/
To smile widely, showing your teeth, usually because you are happy or amused.
She couldn't help but grin when she heard the funny joke.
Past: grinned
Past Participle: grinned
A facial expression made by smiling broadly, often showing the teeth.
She had a big grin on her face when she received the good news.
To smile broadly, often showing the teeth, usually as a sign of happiness or approval.
She grinned when she saw her friend.
Past: grinned
Past Participle: grinned
The word 'grin' originates from Old English 'grennian', meaning to grin or smile. It is related to the Middle English 'grinne', which also means to smile or show the teeth. The word describes the act of smiling broadly, often showing the teeth.
Think of the Old English word 'grennian' which means to smile — that's why a grin is a broad smile that shows your teeth.