What does crotch mean?
The crotch is the part of the human body where the legs join the torso, a term used both anatomically and, more often, in practical contexts such as clothing fit, cycling saddles, and minor injuries. The word also extends metaphorically to any forked or angled junction between two parts, most notably the crotch of a tree — the V-shaped point where branches divide — and the crotch seam of a pair of trousers. Derived from an older word meaning 'hook', it shares a linguistic lineage with crochet, croquet, and crotchet, and its humorous offshoot 'crotchety', meaning irritable, plays on this connection. The term sits comfortably in informal conversation and technical tailoring alike, though its association with intimate anatomy makes some speakers reserve it for casual settings. It should not be confused with 'crutch', the walking aid whose similar sound occasionally trips people up.
nounThe part of the human body where the legs join the torso; also the corresponding forked or angled junction of two things, such as the point where tree branches diverge or the joined legs of trousers.
- The region of the body where the legs meet the torso, especially in reference to clothing fit or injury.
- The fork or angle formed where two things branch apart, such as the crotch of a tree or of a garment.
"He hitched his belt tighter to keep the trousers from sagging at the crotch."
"The cyclist winced as the saddle pressed painfully into her crotch."
"They pruned away the weak limb growing from the crotch of the old oak."
Used when referring to multiple garments, trees, or individuals.
"The pattern pieces were graded for different crotches across the size range."
The word 'crotch' comes from an old word for 'hook' — the same root that gives us crochet and croquet.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crotch
Crotch entered English in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, adapted from Middle French 'croche', meaning a hook or bend. The same root underlies crochet, croquet, and crotchet, all involving hooked shapes or curved forms. Its original sense referred to any forked or hooked junction before becoming chiefly associated with the human body.
Related word forms
How crotch is actually used
Informal to neutral in register; common in everyday speech about clothing and minor injuries, though some consider it indelicate in very formal contexts. In tailoring, 'crotch' is a standard technical term for the inseam curve of trousers.
Easily confused with crotch
A crutch is a support used to aid walking, while the crotch is the junction of the legs with the torso.
Crotchety means irritable or eccentric; it is a humorous derivative of crotch but describes a temperament, not anatomy.