tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən 

: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part (such as a bone) and transmits the force which the muscle exerts

Examples of tendon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was limited to just three games in 2024 after sustaining a torn patellar tendon the previous season. —Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Walker will almost certainly be the first man up at left tackle this offseason as former first-round pick Ickey Ekwonu recovers from patellar tendon surgery. —Mike Kaye updated March 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

Edwin Diaz, who tore his right patellar tendon during Puerto Rico’s on-field celebration in 2023 after winning their pool, tossed two shutout innings in two appearances of pool play action this year. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026

Tight end George Kittle also suffered a torn achilles tendon last season and his timeline for returning is not clear. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin tendōn-, tendō, probably derivative of Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch" after Greek tenont-, ténōn "sinew, tendon," from ten-, variant stem of teínein "to stretch, extend" + -ont-, -ōn, deverbal noun suffix — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tendon

• Achilles tendon
• tendon of Achilles

Kids Definition

tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən 

: a tough cord or band of dense white connective tissue that links a muscle to some other part (as a bone)

Medical Definition

tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən 

: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part, transmits the force which the muscle exerts, and is continuous with the connective-tissue epimysium and perimysium of the muscle and when inserted into a bone with the periosteum of the bone