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

Not least because the hips—or rather, a wide pelvis—are considered a symbol of femininity, fertility, and childbearing capacity, both from a cultural-historical and an evolutionary-biology perspective. — Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026

When prostate cancer spreads, the most common destination is the bones — particularly the spine, pelvis and ribs. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

During the flight, the crew took images of a hand, forearm, abdomen, pelvis and chest. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterus’s inner lining grows outside of the uterus, and typically affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 7 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