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

Becca, who shares three older children with her husband, went into early labor after her cervix shortened. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 12 June 2025

For women, these include cervical smears, commonly known as pap smears, in which healthcare practitioners vaginally insert a clamp-like tool called a speculum and then use a swab to extract cells from the cervix. —Cat Wang, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

The block is done by injecting a local anesthetic, often lidocaine, on top of and near the cervix. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 20 May 2025

On March 13, Serena Mancera, then 31 weeks pregnant, was supposed to be on bed rest due to her placenta previa, a condition where the placenta blocked all or part of her cervix. —Brian Brant, People.com, 11 May 2025

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