cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz 

(ˌ)sər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz

or cervixes

1

: neck

especially : the back part of the neck

2

: a constricted portion of an organ or part

especially : the narrow outer end of the uterus

Examples of cervix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Del Valle was bleeding due to placenta previa, a rare and life-threatening pregnancy complication in which the placenta blocks or covers the cervix. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 7 May 2026

Previously, the Jersey Shore star shared that an abnormal pap smear result led her to undergo a colposcopy and biopsy, which found cancerous spots on the top of her cervix. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026

At 25 weeks, her placenta had moved to cover her cervix, which put her at a high risk of hemorrhage and a dangerous delivery. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 May 2026

April is health awareness month for cervixes, birth defects, glaucoma, thyroids and substance use disorder. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin cervic-, cervix

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz  or cervixes

: the narrow outer end of the uterus that opens into the cavity of the vagina

Medical Definition

cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices -və-ˌsēz, ˌsər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz  or cervixes

1

: neck sense 1a

especially : the back part of the neck

2

: a constricted portion of an organ or part: as

a

: the narrow lower or outer end of the uterus

b

: the constricted cementoenamel junction on a tooth