cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks How to pronounce cervix (audio)
plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz How to pronounce cervix (audio)
(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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cervix is packed with nerves, and especially for women who haven’t given birth (nulliparous patients), the pain can be intense. Lisa Falco, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 If this happens before 37 weeks, it’s considered preterm labor, when the cervix opens before it should at full-term. Lisa McCarty, SELF, 21 May 2025 It’s known for deeper stimulation for a reason, as it’s located two inches deeper than the G-spot, surrounding the cervix. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025 The following cancers decreased among women between 2017 and 2021: brain and other nervous system, cervix, colon and rectum, urinary bladder, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovary, thyroid, and lung and bronchus. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cervix

Word History

Etymology

Latin cervic-, cervix

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cervix was in 1694

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cervix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cervix. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cervix

noun
cer·​vix ˈsər-viks How to pronounce cervix (audio)
plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz How to pronounce cervix (audio) 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 How to pronounce cervix (audio)
plural cervices -və-ˌsēz, ˌsər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz How to pronounce cervix (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cervix

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