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

Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon on May 12 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, a sobering scene that put his 2025-26 season in jeopardy. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026

Boston also did it without Jayson Tatum, who hasn't played in back-to-back nights since his return from Achilles tendon surgery. —CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

Because the muscles in this area are not overly exerted, their tendons don't toughen (which is why a tenderloin is so tender). —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026

In 2024, while rehabbing, Naughton re-tore the flexor tendon in addition to tearing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 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