hindbrain

noun

hind·​brain ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān 

1

: the posterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes the cerebellum, the medulla oblongata, and in mammals the pons and that controls autonomic functions and equilibrium

called also rhombencephalon

compare metencephalon, myelencephalon

2

: the posterior segment of the brain of an invertebrate

Examples of hindbrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, the team got to work and became the first to turn pluripotent stem cells into hindbrain motor neurons in a lab. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026

At the midbrain-hindbrain boundary, for example, cells activate a distinct set of genes that include signaling molecules that go on to influence the development of the neighboring tissues on both sides of the boundary. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026

One big question has always been whether cells in the ectoderm were already destined to become the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. — Mike McRae 21, New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026

The loci cluster around genes involved in circadian regulation, retinal photoreception and signaling pathways in the hypothalamus and hindbrain. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hindbrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

hindbrain

noun

hind·​brain ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān 

: the third and most posterior division of the embryonic vertebrate brain or the parts that develop from it

Medical Definition

hindbrain

noun

hind·​brain ˈhīn(d)-ˌbrān 

: the posterior division of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata and that controls the autonomic functions and equilibrium

called also rhombencephalon

see metencephalon, myelencephalon