pelvic

American  

[pel-vik] / ˈpɛl vɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the pelvis.

---

pelvic British  

/ ˈpɛlvɪk /

adjective

1. of, near, or relating to the pelvis

---

Etymology

Origin of pelvic

First recorded in 1820–30; pelv(is) + -ic

Explanation

Anything pelvic relates to the pelvis, which are the bones at the bottom of your spine, below your waist and above your legs. Elvis got in trouble for shaking his pelvic area on television. Pelvis refers the bowl-shaped bones right below your gut and include your hips. The pelvis is the center of your body, and anything pelvic is therefore important. Men don’t usually have to, but women go for pelvic exams. The pelvic area is crucial in childbirth. It’s also an important part of dance – no one’s getting in trouble for hip shaking these days!

Example Sentences

After her birth, McDaniel theorized that her daughter had “reorganized her pelvic bowl.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

After an explanation of the nervous system, consent and the pelvic floor, her sessions begin with McDaniel burning sage or mugwort while the client is on the table.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

McKechnie - who once said he treats "broken-down athletes who are almost like reclamation projects" - had discovered Hargreaves' knee issues were caused by pelvic instability and therefore got him working to strengthen his core.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

This position can strain the pelvic floor, making it harder to fully empty the bladder and increasing the chance of splashing.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

I drew a pectoral fin on the side and a pelvic fin on the bottom to help the shark move up and down.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen