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.
Butler fell out of the sky onto his tailbone in Game 3, and he’s returned to an assignment of defending 6-foot-11 Rockets center Alperen Şengün in the post and blocking out Steven Adams, another 6-foot-11 center. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Monday’s game also saw the return of Jimmy Butler, who exited during the first quarter of Game 2 after a hard fall on his tailbone. Anthony Slater, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 The former Miami Heat star, who has helped transform Golden State’s fortunes since making his debut in February, took a hard fall on his tailbone late in the first quarter after being fouled by Amen Thompson. Matias Grez, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025 Curry has been nursing a bruised tailbone since a hard fall during the Warriors’ victory over Toronto on March 20, the team’s last home game. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Tailbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailbone. Accessed 16 May. 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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