tailbone

noun

tail·​bone ˈtāl-ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
1
: a caudal vertebra
2
: coccyx

Examples of tailbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Garcia's wife, Stephany Gauffeny, told USA TODAY that her 31-year-old husband, a father of four, is hospitalized and unconscious after getting hit multiple times in the shooting, sustained injuries to the neck, stomach, tailbone and shoulder. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 Stay here for several breaths, sending the tailbone high, gazing toward the navel, and pressing your heels gently toward the mat. Julia Eskins, Outside, 22 Sep. 2025 Then, in December 2023, the suit says, Riley fell and injured his knee, back and tailbone. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, Hawkins suffered a broken pelvis and tailbone. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tailbone

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tailbone was circa 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tailbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailbone. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

tailbone

noun
tail·​bone ˈtā(ə)l-ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
: coccyx

Medical Definition

tailbone

noun
tail·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
1
: a caudal vertebra
2
: coccyx

More from Merriam-Webster on tailbone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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