scapular

1 of 2

noun

scap·​u·​lar ˈska-pyə-lər 

1

a

: a long wide band of cloth with an opening for the head worn front and back over the shoulders as part of a monastic habit

b

: a pair of small cloth squares joined by shoulder tapes and worn under the clothing on the breast and back as a sacramental and often also as a badge of a third order or confraternity

2

a

: scapula

b

: one of the feathers covering the base of a bird's wing see bird illustration

scapular

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to the shoulder, the scapula, or scapulars

Examples of scapular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Sisters of Mary Morning Star also wear a gray scapular that drapes over the tunic, thoroughly erasing any physical features but heightening the drama of their faces. —Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Archaeologists also identified preserved wooden coffins, wooden crosses and scraps of silk scapulars, which are necklace-like devotional objects. —Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024

Adjective

At first, his shoulder problem was diagnosed as soreness and a scapular muscle imbalance. —Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Chin tucks, scapular retractions, wall angels, and resisted rows to retrain postural muscles 3 to 4 times weekly. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scapulare, from Late Latin, from Latin scapula shoulder

Adjective

New Latin scapularis, from scapula

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1713, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing scapular

• scapular medal

Rhymes for scapular

• papular
• maculopapular
• subscapular

Kids Definition

scapular

noun

scap·​u·​lar

ˈskap-yə-lər

1

: a long wide band of cloth with an opening for the head worn front and back over the shoulders by monks

2

: a pair of small cloth squares joined by shoulder tapes and worn under the clothing on the breast and back especially for religious purposes

Medical Definition

scapular

adjective

scap·​u·​lar ˈskap-yə-lər 

: of, relating to, or affecting the shoulder or scapula

a scapular fracture