grinning


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grin

 (grĭn)
v. grinned, grin·ning, grins
v.intr.
To smile broadly, often baring the teeth, as in amusement, glee, embarrassment, or other strong emotion.
v.tr.
To express with a grin: I grinned my approval.
n.
1. The act of grinning.
2. The facial expression produced by grinning.

[Middle English grennen, to grimace, from Old English grennian.]

grin′ner n.
grin′ning·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.grinning - a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouthgrinning - a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
facial expression, facial gesture - a gesture executed with the facial muscles
simper - a silly self-conscious smile
smirk - a smile expressing smugness or scorn instead of pleasure
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
References in classic literature ?
The only things in the kitchen that did not sneeze, were the cook, and a large cat which was sitting on the hearth and grinning from ear to ear.
Higher and higher still they flew, nearer and nearer to the stars, when suddenly the mirror shook so terribly with grinning, that it flew out of their hands and fell to the earth, where it was dashed in a hundred million and more pieces.
Bouncer; because Tommy Brock was so fat and stumpy and grinning.
He was lying on his back with his mouth open, grinning from ear to ear.
If you wait you shall see my mark upon the forehead of yon grinning baboon," replied the outlaw, pointing a mailed finger at one who had been seated close to De Leybourn.
Two mighty, calloused hands seized upon the ape-man, great fangs were bared close to his face, a hideous growl burst from the cavernous throat and hot breath fanned Tarzan's cheek, and still he sat grinning at the apparition.
"That shows our Master's contempt for mere Art," said the Second Poet, grinning.
'Of course I have, dear Fred,' said Quilp, grinning to think how little he suspected what the real end was.
Eric, I say, noticed the beggar-man grinning at him rather impudently, and turned toward him sharply.
"Nay," quoth Little John, also grinning, "the blessed Saint Dunstan hath given me a free dispensation for all indulgence in that line." And he thrust his hand into his pouch for money to pay his score.
On top of all he placed the cooking pot, inverted, and on top of this he laid one of the grinning skulls, upon which he fastened the headdress of the dead Kulonga.
More in whim than in hope of result, grinning to himself as he did so, Sheldon raised his automatic pistol and in two seconds sent eight shots scattering through the trees in the direction in which Tudor had disappeared.