umbilical cord

noun

1

a

: a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and through which respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes pass

b

: yolk stalk

2

: a tethering or supply line (as for an astronaut outside a spacecraft or a diver underwater)

3

: a necessary, supportive, or nurturing link or connection

Examples of umbilical cord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our oldest daughter was able to cut the umbilical cord this time around, [and] loved filled the room in every way. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Instead, the father expressed outrage at the hospital for not delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord. —Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

Instead, the father expressed outrage at the hospital for not delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord. —Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026

Powell cut the umbilical cord and sat down while holding the baby. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for umbilical cord

• abhorred
• aboard
• accord
• adored
• afford
• award
• baseboard
• billboard
• blackboard
• boxboard
• breadboard
• broadsword

Kids Definition

umbilical cord

noun

um·​bil·​i·​cal cord

ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəl-

: a cord that contains blood vessels and connects the navel of a fetus with the placenta of the mother

Medical Definition

umbilical cord

noun

: a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and contains the two umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein