tailbone

noun

tail·​bone ˈtāl-ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
1
: a caudal vertebra
2
: coccyx

Examples of tailbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the time she was hospitalized in 2020, Pearlene Darby, a retired teacher, had suffered open sores on both legs, both hips, and both heels, as well as a five-inch-long gash on her tailbone. Jordan Rau, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 By the time she was hospitalized in 2020, Pearlene Darby, a retired teacher, had suffered open sores on both legs, both hips, and both heels, as well as a five-inch-long gash on her tailbone. Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026 Sanders suffered injuries, including a concussion, headaches, possible traumatic brain injury, back and tailbone injuries and extreme mental anguish. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 This caused an already off-balance Adebayo to fall clumsily to the ground and land directly on his tailbone. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tailbone

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tailbone was circa 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tailbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailbone. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

tailbone

noun
tail·​bone ˈtā(ə)l-ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
: coccyx

Medical Definition

tailbone

noun
tail·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
1
: a caudal vertebra
2
: coccyx

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