occipital

adjective

oc·​cip·​i·​tal äk-ˈsi-pə-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, or located within or near the occiput or the occipital bone

occipital noun

occipitally adverb

Examples of occipital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its occipital hinge fit helps improve coverage around one of the head’s most vulnerable areas. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026

Neanderthal brains were larger than those of modern-day humans, but their smaller occipital space left little room for the cerebellum. — Ruairi MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025

So find somewhere comfortable to lie down, grab your occipital release tool, and let Yung Rapunxel open your third eye. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025

The occipital nerves are located here and extend up the back of your head. — Sarah Bradley, Health, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, probably borrowed from Medieval Latin occipitālis, from Latin occipit-, occiput occiput + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing occipital

• occipital bone
• occipital condyle
• occipital lobe

Kids Definition

occipital

1 of 2 adjective

oc·​cip·​i·​tal

äk-ˈsip-ət-ᵊl

: of or relating to the back part of the head or skull or to the occipital bone

occipital

2 of 2 noun

: occipital bone

Medical Definition

occipital

1 of 2 adjective

oc·​cip·​i·​tal äk-ˈsip-ət-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or located within or near the occiput or the occipital bone

occipital

2 of 2 noun

: occipital bone