ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈli-gə-mənt 

1

: a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place

2

: a connecting or unifying bond

… the law of nations, the great ligament of mankind.

—Edmund Burke

ligamentous

ˌli-gə-ˈmen-təs 

adjective

Examples of ligament in a Sentence

He sprained ligaments in his knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Surgery is also recommended when ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules are severely torn and compromise long-term joint function. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Bell had surgery to repair two ligaments, but his goal of becoming a first-round pick in the upcoming draft became unrealistic. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

There is no sign yet of Tzimas returning from an anterior cruciate knee ligament rupture sustained on his first league start against Aston Villa last December. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

When quarterback Patrick Mahomes arrived at Chiefs training camp in July, no one knew what to expect after he’d had surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee during a game in December. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin ligamentum, from Latin, band, tie, from ligare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ligament

• anterior cruciate ligament
• cruciate ligament
• medial collateral ligament
• posterior cruciate ligament
• suspensory ligament
• ulnar collateral ligament
• ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

Kids Definition

ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈlig-ə-mənt 

: a tough band of tissue that holds bones together or keeps an organ in place in the body

Etymology

Middle English ligament "connecting tissue, ligament," derived from Latin ligamentum "band, something used for tying," from ligare "to bind, tie" — related to ally

Medical Definition

ligament

noun

lig·​a·​ment ˈlig-ə-mənt 

1

: a tough band of tissue that serves to connect the articular extremities of bones or to support or retain an organ in place and is usually composed of coarse bundles of dense white fibrous tissue parallel or closely interlaced, pliant, and flexible, but not extensible

2

: any of various folds or bands of pleura, peritoneum, or mesentery connecting parts or organs