1.
armpit; underarm
The hollow area under the arm where it joins the body. Used in everyday, medical, and hygiene contexts.
In Japan, the standard way to measure body temperature is under the armpit (脇の下で測る), unlike in some Western countries where oral thermometers are common. Common collocations: 脇の下に汗をかく (to sweat under the arms), 脇の下に挟む (to hold under the arm). Also written as 腋の下 with a different kanji. Sometimes shortened to simply 脇 in casual speech.
Related Words
Compare:
腋窩 (armpit)