pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises ˈpel-və-səz  or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz 

1

: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine

During puberty, the shape of the pelvis begins to take on distinctly male or female features …

—Christopher Joyce and Eric Stover

Dysfunction can occur with uneven distribution of weight on the pelvis, a common and usually benign condition that can be exacerbated by running.

—Carol Potera

also : pelvic cavity

Endometriosis is the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity, but usually confined to the pelvis …

—Daniel W. Cramer et al.

2

: renal pelvis

Examples of pelvis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abuatelah was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was treated for bleeding in his brain, a broken pelvis, broken nose, lacerations, internal bleeding, and other injuries as a result of the beating. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

The new female dummy endorsed by the department more accurately reflects differences between men and women, including the shape of the neck, collarbone, pelvis, and legs. —Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025

The Bengals will be without quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (suspension), defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (foot). —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025

Her 36-year-old female passenger suffered a fractured pelvis and right ankle, the department said. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, basin; perhaps akin to Old English & Old Norse full cup

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pelvis

• renal pelvis

Kids Definition

pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz 

: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates formed by the pelvic girdle and the nearby bones of the spine

also : its cavity

Medical Definition

pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises -və-səz  or pelves -ˌvēz 

1

: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine and that in humans is bounded laterally by the two hip bones, anteriorly by the pubis, and posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx see also false pelvis, true pelvis

2

: pelvic cavity

3

: renal pelvis