collarbone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal (anatomical/medical), Informal (everyday injury/body talk)
Quick answer
What does “collarbone” mean?
Either of the pair of bones connecting the breastbone (sternum) to the shoulder blades (scapulae).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Either of the pair of bones connecting the breastbone (sternum) to the shoulder blades (scapulae); the clavicle.
In anatomy, the collarbone is a long, slender, S-shaped bone that acts as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum, providing structural support and aiding arm movement. Colloquially, it can refer to the general area or the prominence of this bone, especially when visible or injured.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. 'Collarbone' is standard in both dialects, though the technical term 'clavicle' is also universally used. No spelling variation.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects. Connotes vulnerability due to its prominent, often easily fractured nature.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects. 'Clavicle' is more likely in strictly medical/scientific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “collarbone” in a Sentence
He broke his collarbone [in a fall].She felt a sharp pain [along her collarbone].The fracture [was located] on the left collarbone.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collarbone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He suffered a nasty collarbone fracture during the rugby match.
- The X-ray showed a clear collarbone break.
American English
- She's recovering from collarbone surgery after the bike accident.
- The football player has a chronic collarbone issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in workplace injury reports or health insurance contexts.
Academic
Common in anatomy, biology, sports science, and medical texts.
Everyday
Very common, especially when discussing injuries, physical appearance, or aches and pains.
Technical
Standard term in medicine, orthopaedics, radiology, and physiotherapy. Often used interchangeably with 'clavicle'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “collarbone”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collarbone”
- Spelling as two words ('collar bone') is accepted but less common than the closed compound 'collarbone'. Using 'shoulder bone' as a precise synonym (it is not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one closed compound word: 'collarbone'. The open form 'collar bone' is also seen but is less frequent in edited texts.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Clavicle' is the formal, Latin-derived anatomical term used in medical and scientific contexts. 'Collarbone' is the common, everyday English word for the same bone.
The collarbone is a long, slender bone with a relatively thin cortex. Its position and function as the only bony connection between the arm and the torso mean it absorbs significant force from falls onto the shoulder or outstretched hand, making it prone to fracture.
Limited, painful movement may be possible, but it is extremely painful and not advised. The collarbone stabilises the shoulder, so a fracture severely impairs the ability to lift, rotate, or support weight with that arm. Medical attention is essential.
Either of the pair of bones connecting the breastbone (sternum) to the shoulder blades (scapulae).
Collarbone is usually neutral to formal (anatomical/medical), informal (everyday injury/body talk) in register.
Collarbone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒləbəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːlərboʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to break one's collarbone (common phrase for a specific injury)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a collar on a shirt: it sits at the top of your chest, framing the neck. Your 'collarbone' is the bony 'collar' framing the base of your neck.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRAGILITY/SUPPORT: The collarbone is often conceptualised as a delicate strut or brace ('a strut for the shoulder') that is surprisingly easy to snap, representing physical vulnerability.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a technical synonym for 'collarbone'?