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
In advanced cases of bladder cancer, a mass in the pelvis may be felt.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
The man was struck in the knee, while a 20-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the pelvis.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
Tight hip flexors pull your pelvis forward into what’s known as an anterior tilt, forcing your hamstrings to brace to keep you upright.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Engage your core, squeeze your glutes, and tuck your pelvis forward to maintain a straight line from shoulders to heels.
—Mallory Creveling, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pelvis
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Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2025
The man was struck in the knee, while a 20-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the pelvis.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
Tight hip flexors pull your pelvis forward into what’s known as an anterior tilt, forcing your hamstrings to brace to keep you upright.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Engage your core, squeeze your glutes, and tuck your pelvis forward to maintain a straight line from shoulders to heels.
—Mallory Creveling, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pelvis
Cite this Entry
“Pelvis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelvis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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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