pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises ˈpel-və-səz  or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz 

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 pelvis …

—Daniel W. Cramer et al.

2

: renal pelvis

Examples of pelvis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ana María Saavedra Caycedo lay under the rubble for hours reeling from arm injuries and a fractured pelvis. — Uriel Blanco, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

The sixth-year player missed all of last season with pelvis and hip issues. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

In May, Sydney learned her cancer had spread and was present in her peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen and pelvis, per the Cleveland Clinic. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

But when the pain persisted, a CT scan showed a cloudy mass in her pelvis. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing pelvis

• renal pelvis

Kids Definition

pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz 

: 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 

plural pelvises -və-səz  or pelves -ˌvēz 

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

: pelvic cavity

3

: renal pelvis