scapula

noun

scap·​u·​la ˈska-pyə-lə 

plural scapulae ˈska-pyə-ˌlē  -ˌlī  or scapulas

: either of a pair of large triangular bones lying one in each dorsal lateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle or coracoid

called also shoulder blade

Examples of scapula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The humerus and scapula (shoulder) blade are the worst affected bones. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025

But Wednesday’s medical image revealed a serious injury to the teres major, a muscle that attaches to the scapula. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025

The scapula is the shoulder blade, and the area around it is muscle. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025

Outlets report that authorities found five types of human bones put up for sale on the website, including two human skull fragments for $90, a human clavicle and scapula for $90, a human rib for $35, a human vertebrae for $35 and a partial human skull for $600. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, shoulder blade, shoulder

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scapula

noun

scap·​u·​la ˈskap-yə-lə 

plural scapulae -ˌlē 

-ˌlī

or scapulas

: shoulder blade

Medical Definition

scapula

noun

scap·​u·​la ˈskap-yə-lə 

plural scapulae -ˌlē  -ˌlī  or scapulas

: either of a pair of large essentially flat and triangular bones lying one in each dorsolateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, divided on the posterior surface into the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae by an oblique transverse bony process or spine terminating in the acromion, having a hook-shaped bony coracoid process on the anterior surface of the superior border of the bone, providing articulation for the humerus, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle

called also shoulder blade