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
Generally, the most limited section of the human birth canal is the section between the upper part of the sacrum and the front of the pelvis.
—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
According to Betty Alvarez, Nina’s mother, the teen athlete suffered a severe brain injury and multiple fractures to her pelvis, hips and both femurs.
—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
Do two sets of 12 to 15 repetitions while keeping your rib cage balanced over the pelvis.
—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
The boy is in stable condition, after reportedly suffering a broken arm and pelvis.
—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pelvis
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Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2026
According to Betty Alvarez, Nina’s mother, the teen athlete suffered a severe brain injury and multiple fractures to her pelvis, hips and both femurs.
—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
Do two sets of 12 to 15 repetitions while keeping your rib cage balanced over the pelvis.
—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
The boy is in stable condition, after reportedly suffering a broken arm and pelvis.
—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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