rib cage

American  

noun

Anatomy.

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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of rib cage

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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

I have pain in my back, my right foot, and my rib cage.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 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

He was home in Florida on Tuesday when he felt tightness from his right rib cage all the way down to the hip, a product of playing a lot of golf this time of year.

From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2023

My body was a knot of raw nerves and nausea, my lungs crushed against my rib cage like a prisoner in an iron maiden.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• breast
• heart