cerebellum

noun

cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbe-ləm 

ˌse-rə-

plural cerebellums or cerebella ˌser-ə-ˈbe-lə 

ˌse-rə-

: a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum, and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe see brain illustration

cerebellar

ˌser-ə-ˈbe-lər 

ˌse-rə-

adjective

Examples of cerebellum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In late 2023, Isabella was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma—a common malignant brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum, a part of the brain located at the base of the skull. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026

As an example, if the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain near the spinal cord, is damaged, there may be issues with balance and coordination. — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

This study builds upon deformation mapping research from 2018 that suggested that, on average, Neanderthals had a smaller cerebellum than early humans did. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

Children also used their cerebellum—a part of the brain associated with learning—less when watching a video. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, diminutive of cerebrum

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cerebellum

• antebellum
• bellum
• pelham
• vellum
• velum
• coelom
• flagellum
• labellum
• scutellum

Kids Definition

cerebellum

noun

cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm 

plural cerebellums or cerebella -ˈbel-ə 

: a large portion of the back part of the brain that is concerned especially with the action of groups of muscles and with bodily balance

Medical Definition

cerebellum

noun

cer·​e·​bel·​lum ˌser-ə-ˈbel-əm 

plural cerebellums or cerebella -ˈbel-ə 

: a large dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned especially with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, situated between the brain stem and the back of the cerebrum and formed in humans of two lateral lobes and a median lobe