clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈkla-vi-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvi-kyə-lər 

klə-

adjective

Examples of clavicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s multicolored and features an eye motif and beaded tassels hanging down toward the clavicle. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

Per investigators, the child suffered one fracture to his right arm, two fractures to his left arm, fractures to both clavicles and a fracture to his left leg. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

The officers returned fire, hitting Guevara in his clavicle. —Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026

Rats also have relatively small clavicles, which are not attached to the sternum. —Jason Bittel, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French clavicule, from New Latin clavicula, from Latin, diminutive of Latin clavis; akin to Greek kleid-, kleis key, kleiein to close

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade

called also collarbone

Medical Definition

clavicle

noun

clav·​i·​cle ˈklav-i-kəl 

: a bone of the shoulder girdle that links the scapula and sternum, is situated just above the first rib on either side of the neck, and has the form of a narrow elongated S

called also collarbone

clavicular

kla-ˈvik-yə-lər, klə- 

adjective