clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈkla-vi-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvi-kyə-lər 

klə-

adjective

Examples of clavicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, his calf bones were crushed, and his clavicle and humerus were also damaged. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans underwent surgery after suffering a broken clavicle in the Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The little boy suffered a concussion, broke one of his clavicle bones and had a black eye, according to the outlet. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

Moments later, Usiripalli allegedly struck the teen in the left clavicle with a metal fork held in his right hand. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French clavicule, from New Latin clavicula, from Latin, diminutive of Latin clavis; akin to Greek kleid-, kleis key, kleiein to close

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade

called also collarbone

Medical Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle that links the scapula and sternum, is situated just above the first rib on either side of the neck, and has the form of a narrow elongated S

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvik-yə-lər, klə- 

adjective