grin

Definition

A smile in which the lips are parted to reveal the teeth.

Etymology

From Middle English grinnen, from Old English grennian, from Proto-West Germanic *grannjōn, from Proto-Germanic *granjōną. Related to groan. Compare to Middle High German grennen (“to mutter, complain”) and Danish grine (“to show one's teeth, to laugh”)

Example Sentences

• "When the ceremony was finished a wide grin broke across his face, and it was that grin she saw, relieved and happy all at once."
• "When my son appeared at the door the next day with his schoolbag on his back, the Professor broke into a wide grin and opened his arms to embrace him."