Sprain/spreɪn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Common Injuries Sprain is often used when talking about common sports injuries or accidents. He couldn't play in the finals due to an ankle sprain. Pro Tip 2/3Not a Break A sprain refers to ligaments, not bones; it's different from a fracture. The doctor said it's not broken, just a sprain. Pro Tip 3/3Medical Context Use 'sprain' in a medical or injury context, not for general twisting motions. I thought it was just a twist, but the nurse said it's a sprain.