pelvis

American  

[pel-vis] / ˈpɛl vɪs /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

pelvises, pelves

1. the basinlike cavity in the lower part of the trunk of many vertebrates, formed in humans by the innominate bones, sacrum, etc.

2. the bones forming this cavity.

3. the cavity of the kidney that receives the urine before it is passed into the ureter.

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pelvis British  

/ ˈpɛlvɪs /

noun

1. the large funnel-shaped structure at the lower end of the trunk of most vertebrates: in man it is formed by the hipbones and sacrum

2. the bones that form this structure

3. any anatomical cavity or structure shaped like a funnel or cup

4. short for renal pelvis

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pelvis Scientific  

/ pĕl′vĭs /

plural

pelvises

1. The basin-shaped structure in vertebrate animals that joins the spine and lower or hind limbs. In primates, the pelvis is composed of the two hipbones joined to the sacrum. It contains, protects, and supports the intestines, bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

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pelvis Cultural  

1. The bowl-shaped group of bones connecting the trunk of the body to the legs and supporting the spine. The pelvis includes the hip bones and the lower part of the backbone.

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Etymology

Origin of pelvis

1605–15; < New Latin; Latin: basin; akin to Greek pellís bowl

Explanation

Your pelvis is the series of bones at the base of the spine that support your legs. Remember that Elvis had a knack for moving his pelvis, and then you may more easily remember this body part! In humans, hip bones make up either side of the pelvis, with the sacrum and coccyx bones at the back. This bony pelvis makes it possible for us to walk upright with jointed legs, and it also forms a protective case for the internal organs that sit low in the body. In Latin, pelvis means "basin," from the Greek pelike, "goblet or bowl."

Example Sentences

For the first couple of days, the pain in my pelvis was far, far worse.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue normally found in the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvis.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Leah Matthews, 32, from Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, broke ribs, her pelvis, hip and her foot in the fall last October on a visit to Henrhyd Falls in Neath with her partner.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

I tried to keep my pelvis steady now.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• abdomen
• gut
• insides
• tank
• tummy