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

The 41-year-old suffered a broken pelvis and sustained fractures to both femurs and three ribs, as well as a compound fracture to his right shin. —Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

Once the chair was delivered—no assembly required—Sessums came away impressed with the power of the patented PostureFit SL back support, which encourages opening up the chest and shoulders, and tilts the pelvis slightly forward. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026

In two images, Bieber posed in a ultra plunging cheetah-print one-piece suit that featured a halter neckline, a massive midsection cutout that ran from her ribs to her pelvis, and lace-up detailing covering her abs and tying at her bust. —Tessa Petak, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

These muscles are positioned on the outside and inside of your legs, and are important for stabilizing your hip and pelvis, says Pasculli. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

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