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Definition of noggin

noggin

/ˈnɑː.ɡɪn/
nog · gin
Plural:noggins
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noggin Lexical Profile

noggin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person's head or brain (used informally).

Example

"Make sure to wear a helmet on the bike trail to protect your noggin."

2

A small mug or cup, historically made of wood, or a small unit of liquid measure equal to a gill (about a quarter of a pint).

Example

"The tavern keeper poured a noggin of warm spiced ale for the weary traveler."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for noggin

• Rhymes for noggin

• Nearby Words

node
nodule
noel
noggin
nohkalikai
nohow
nohsngithiang

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 17th century to denote a small drinking cup, possibly related to 'nog' (a strong East Anglian ale) or Gaelic 'noigean' (wooden vessel). The colloquial sense meaning 'head' emerged in American boxing slang in the mid-19th century, comparing the skull to a small mug.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Noggin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/noggin
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