wishbone

American  

[wish-bohn] / ˈwɪʃˌboʊn /

noun

1. a forked bone, formed by the fusion of the two clavicles, in front of the breastbone in most birds; furcula.

2. Football. an offensive formation in which the fullback is positioned directly behind the quarterback and the two halfbacks are positioned farther behind and to the left and right, respectively.

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wishbone British  

/ ˈwɪʃˌbəʊn /

noun

1. the V-shaped bone above the breastbone in most birds consisting of the fused clavicles; furcula

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wishbone Scientific  

/ wĭsh′bōn′ /

1. The forked bone in front of the breastbone in most birds, consisting of the two collarbones partly fused together. It serves as a spring, capturing some of the energy during the downward stroke of the wings for release on the upward stroke.

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Etymology

Origin of wishbone

1850–55, wish + bone; so called from the custom of pulling the furcula of a cooked fowl apart until it breaks, the person holding the longer (sometimes shorter) piece being granted a wish

Example Sentences

San Fernando is an eight-time City Section champion with a rich history that includes its wishbone teams of the 1970s featuring the late Charles White, who won the Heisman Trophy at USC.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2025

In Canada, McLaren introduced a small tweak to the suspension geometry, around where the upper wishbone meets the front wheel, in an attempt increase feel.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2025

The scheme UW ran the last two years is regarded as having a lot of NFL elements to it — this isn’t trying to bring the wishbone to the NFL.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 10, 2024

For a 4-7 Washington team facing a powerful 7-3 Cowboys squad in Dallas, that’s a wishbone that will be difficult to grab.

From Washington Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Harry got the wishbone, and while we waited for SanJuanna to cut the pies, he got up and walked around the table to share it with Travis.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly