wishbone

noun

wish·​bone ˈwish-ˌbōn 

1

: a forked bone in front of the breastbone in a bird consisting chiefly of the two clavicles fused at their median or lower end

2

: a variation of the T formation in which the halfbacks line up farther from the line of scrimmage than the fullback does

Illustration of wishbone

• W wishbone 1

Examples of wishbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers also discovered Rex Junior’s wishbone in its original position. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Aston Martin / Brough Superior Brough’s also doing its double-wishbone ‘Fior fork’ front suspension that separates steering and braking forces, and avoids diving. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

The chassis, too, is formed from aluminum and houses double-wishbone suspension complemented with adjustable dampers (three settings available). — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026

The front suspension is independent, with double wishbones and forged aluminum control arms paired with coil-over springs. — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the superstition that when two persons pull it apart the one getting the longer fragment will have a wish granted

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wishbone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

wishbone

noun

wish·​bone ˈwish-ˌbōn 

: a bone in front of a bird's breastbone that is shaped like a V and consists chiefly of two fused clavicles