tibia

noun

tib·​ia ˈti-bē-ə 

plural tibiae ˈti-bē-ˌē  -bē-ˌī  also tibias

1

: the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate hind or lower limb between the knee and ankle

2

: the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and tarsus

tibial

ˈti-bē-əl 

adjective

Examples of tibia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tibia and fibula form the socket for the ankle joint, while the talus is the ball. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2026

The study suggests their incredibly strong tibiae enabled them to close distances quickly. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

So, think of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), humerus (upper arm bone), and even the fingers. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026

Medical staff conducted tests and determined the child had a spiral fracture to his left femur, as well as fractures to both tibias that appeared to be in different stages of healing, her arrest affidavit stated. —Sergio Candido, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tibia

• amphibia
• tibiae

Kids Definition

tibia

noun

tib·​ia ˈtib-ē-ə 

plural tibiae -ē-ˌē 

-ē-ˌī

also tibias

1

: the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate leg that is located between the knee and the ankle

called also shinbone

2

: the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and the tarsus

tibial

-ē-əl 

adjective

Medical Definition

tibia

noun

tib·​ia ˈtib-ē-ə 

plural tibiae -ē-ˌē  -ē-ˌī  also tibias

: the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the leg between the knee and ankle that articulates above with the femur and below with the talus

called also shinbone