wishbone

American  

[wish-bohn] / ˈwɪʃˌboʊn /

noun

wishbones plural

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.

---

wishbone British  

/ ˈwɪʃˌbəʊn /

noun

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

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• wishbones
  plural

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

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

South Carolina pulled out the wishbone on its next touchdown, a 1-yard handoff to versatile tight end Jaheim Bell.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2022

But I swear she can make a decent fishhook out of anything—a thorn, a wishbone, an earring.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins