plural pelvises
ˈpel-və-səz 
or pelves
ˈpel-ˌvēz
or pelves
ˈpel-ˌvēz
1
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine
During puberty, the shape of the pelvis begins to take on distinctly male or female features …—
Christopher Joyce and Eric Stover
Christopher Joyce and Eric StoverDysfunction can occur with uneven distribution of weight on the pelvis, a common and usually benign condition that can be exacerbated by running.—Carol Potera
Carol Potera
also
: pelvic cavity
Endometriosis is the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity, but usually confined to the pelvis … —Daniel W. Cramer et al.
Daniel W. Cramer et al. 2
Examples of pelvis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By analyzing the animal's spine, rib, pelvis and leg bones, including a front leg bone, researchers found the dinosaur would've weighed 54,000 pounds, or the equivalent of nine adult Asian elephants, and would've measured 88 feet in length.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Paleontologists found Nagatitan’s spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones about 10 years ago.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2026
The report said some female bodies brought to morgues showed broken pelvises or legs, bloodied underwear and additional trauma to the abdomen or groin.
—Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
The fall shattered her pelvis and hip.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pelvis
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Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Paleontologists found Nagatitan’s spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones about 10 years ago.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2026
The report said some female bodies brought to morgues showed broken pelvises or legs, bloodied underwear and additional trauma to the abdomen or groin.
—Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
The fall shattered her pelvis and hip.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pelvis
Cite this Entry
“Pelvis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelvis. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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Medical Definition
pelvis
noun
pel·vis
ˈpel-vəs
1
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine and that in humans is bounded laterally by the two hip bones, anteriorly by the pubis, and posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx see also false pelvis, true pelvis
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