hipbone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Medical/Anatomical
Quick answer
What does “hipbone” mean?
The large, flaring bone forming each side of the pelvis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The large, flaring bone forming each side of the pelvis; the ilium.
A term sometimes used metaphorically to refer to the structure or support of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Neutral anatomical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American medical texts, but negligible difference.
Grammar
How to Use “hipbone” in a Sentence
The X is connected to the Y (by/with Z)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hipbone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a hipbone fracture after the fall.
- The scan showed hipbone degeneration.
American English
- She suffered a hipbone injury playing soccer.
- The model's hipbone structure was visible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in medical, anatomical, and biological texts and lectures.
Everyday
Used when discussing injuries, anatomy, or in the context of the children's song.
Technical
Precise anatomical term for a specific bone of the pelvis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hipbone”
- Confusing it with the 'thigh bone' (femur). Using it as a general term for the entire hip/pelvic area.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The hipbone (ilium) is one of three bones that fuse to form the pelvis. The pelvis is the entire basin-shaped structure.
No, 'hipbone' is exclusively a noun in modern English.
The standard spelling is as one word ('hipbone'), though the open form ('hip bone') is sometimes seen and understood.
People often just say 'hip' (e.g., 'I fell on my hip'), though this is less specific as 'hip' refers to the joint area, not just the bone.
Hipbone is usually technical/medical/anatomical in register.
Hipbone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp.bəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp.boʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The hipbone's connected to the thighbone (from the song 'Dem Bones', referencing anatomical connection).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIPBONE: Has Its Place (in the) Bony Outline Near the Edge. It's the bone you feel at your hip.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A SKELETON (e.g., 'the hipbone of the argument' - though rare).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most precise synonym for 'hipbone' in an anatomical context?