pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises ˈpel-və-səz How to pronounce pelvis (audio) or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
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 pelvisDaniel W. Cramer et al.
2

Examples of pelvis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Since acupuncture alleviates pressure, this ancient practice may help relax the muscles of your pelvis and uterus. Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 31 Aug. 2023 Plus, all that blood flow down there will make your partner's pelvis against your clit feel even more amazing than usual. Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023 One deputy was shot in his ballistic vest and suffered a ricochet wound that fractured his pelvis and the other deputy was struck in the upper left arm. oregonlive, 26 July 2023 At the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Clark described corruption and neglect, which led to his falling from his bunk while experiencing vertigo in 2021, breaking his pelvis, and being left to suffer overnight despite his pleas for help. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 11 July 2023 During their investigation, investigators discovered a second piece of luggage containing a human torso and small landscaping rocks, as well as a third carrying a woman's pelvis and more rocks. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2023 In total, paleontologists uncovered 13 vertebrae, four ribs and part of a pelvis from an area known as the Pisco Formation. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 Wiley suffered a ruptured bladder, a cracked pelvis, and needed medical attention to retrieve the bullet still lodged in her abdomen, the GoFundMe post states. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 20 July 2023 Tighten your abs, shifting your pelvis slightly in front of you. Brett Williams, Men's Health, 13 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pelvis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelvis was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near pelvis

Cite this Entry

“Pelvis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelvis. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

pelvis

noun
pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises -və-səz How to pronounce pelvis (audio) or pelves -ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
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
3

More from Merriam-Webster on pelvis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!