sternum

noun

ster·​num ˈstər-nəm 

plural sternums or sterna ˈstər-nə 

: a compound ventral bone or cartilage of most vertebrates other than fishes that connects the ribs or the shoulder girdle or both and in humans consists of the manubrium, gladiolus, and xiphoid process

called also breastbone

Examples of sternum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, the main area of recovery was the sternum. —Tom Burrows, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Whether draped, cinched, wrapped, or clutched at the sternum, there’s no wrong way to mater this versatile piece. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025

In these birds, the sternum bears a keel that provides additional attachment for the muscles that power the flight stroke. —Kate Wong, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2025

The ensemble's plunging neckline showcased the tattoos along her sternum. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sternon chest, breastbone; akin to Old High German stirna forehead, Latin sternere to spread out — more at strew

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sternum

noun

ster·​num ˈstər-nəm 

plural sternums or sterna -nə 

: a flat narrow piece of bone or cartilage in the chest that connects the ribs in most vertebrates other than fishes

called also breastbone

Medical Definition

sternum

noun

ster·​num ˈstər-nəm 

plural sternums or sterna -nə 

: a compound ventral bone or cartilage that lies in the median central part of the body of most vertebrates above fishes and that in humans is about seven inches (18 centimeters) long, consists in the adult of three parts, and connects with the clavicles and the cartilages of the upper seven pairs of ribs

called also breastbone