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Synonyms

rib cage

American  

noun

Anatomy.

  1. the enclosure formed by the ribs and their connecting bones.

rib cage Scientific  

  1. The bony structure in the chest formed by the ribs and sternum (breastbone) that encloses and protects the heart and lungs.

Etymology

Origin of rib cage

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For a typical flaw like a ball flight that is repeatedly low and left, PG1 might advise players to extend their elbow farther from their rib cage as part of their downswing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The front end, which was also a trunk, came up right to my rib cage, a contact point that would have chagrined any high school football coach as bad tackling form: too high.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025

And as his absence dragged on, the medical staff turned its attention to his rib cage, realizing that might be causing the delays in his recovery.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2024

Tommy DeVito, who was promoted from the practice squad this week with backup Tyrod Taylor on injured reserve with a rib cage injury, finished up.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023

My heart practically busts through my rib cage.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.