pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises ˈpel-və-səz How to pronounce pelvis (audio) or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
1
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine
During puberty, the shape of the pelvis begins to take on distinctly male or female features …Christopher Joyce and Eric Stover
Dysfunction can occur with uneven distribution of weight on the pelvis, a common and usually benign condition that can be exacerbated by running.Carol Potera
also : pelvic cavity
Endometriosis is the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity, but usually confined to the pelvisDaniel W. Cramer et al.
2

Examples of pelvis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the end of your exhale, without inhaling, tilt your pelvis and tuck your tailbone to flatten your lower back against the floor. Dana Santas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 Many people hear this cue and find an extreme shape, flattening their spines and scooping their pelvis under. Dana Solomon, Outside Online, 16 Mar. 2025 Keep your core engaged, and extend and lift your right arm and left leg back simultaneously, ensuring your pelvis doesn't drop on either side. Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Feb. 2025 But his injuries included a traumatic brain injury, compound fractures to both his legs and injuries to his arms, shoulder, pelvis and face. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pelvis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, basin; perhaps akin to Old English & Old Norse full cup

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelvis was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pelvis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelvis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pelvis

noun
pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates formed by the pelvic girdle and the nearby bones of the spine
also : its cavity

Medical Definition

pelvis

noun
pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises -və-səz How to pronounce pelvis (audio) or pelves -ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
1
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine and that in humans is bounded laterally by the two hip bones, anteriorly by the pubis, and posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx see also false pelvis, true pelvis
2
3

More from Merriam-Webster on pelvis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!