ribcage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in anatomical, medical, and literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “ribcage” mean?
The bony structure formed by the ribs, which encloses and protects the heart and lungs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The bony structure formed by the ribs, which encloses and protects the heart and lungs.
A metaphorical or symbolic structure that provides protection or a framework, or the visible outline of ribs beneath the skin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both varieties use 'ribcage' as a single, closed compound.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “ribcage” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] ribcage [VERB]...A [NOUN] of the ribcageInside/outside the ribcageVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ribcage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'ribcage' attributively: 'ribcage injury']
American English
- [No standard adjective form. Use 'ribcage' attributively: 'ribcage fracture']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in ergonomics or health & safety contexts (e.g., 'The design protects the worker's ribcage').
Academic
Common in biology, anatomy, medicine, and physical anthropology papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing health, injuries, anatomy, or in descriptive writing (e.g., 'He felt a sharp pain in his ribcage').
Technical
Standard term in medical imaging, forensic science, and osteology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ribcage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ribcage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribcage”
- Misspelling as two words: 'rib cage' (acceptable variant, but 'ribcage' is standard as a single word).
- Using it interchangeably with 'chest' when referring to non-bony aspects.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word ('ribcage'), though the open compound 'rib cage' is also an accepted variant.
The 'ribcage' specifically refers to the bony structure of the ribs. The 'thorax' is a broader anatomical term for the chest region, which includes the ribcage, sternum, thoracic vertebrae, and the muscles and tissues within.
Yes, it is sometimes used in literature and descriptive writing to symbolize something that protects, confines, or forms a rigid structure around something else (e.g., 'a ribcage of rules').
The plural is 'ribcages', used when referring to the structures of multiple individuals or organisms.
The bony structure formed by the ribs, which encloses and protects the heart and lungs.
Ribcage is usually neutral to formal; common in anatomical, medical, and literary contexts. in register.
Ribcage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb.keɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb.keɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'ribcage']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'cage' made of 'ribs' to protect your vital organs, like a birdcage but for your heart and lungs.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A CAGE; THE BODY IS A CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'ribcage' LEAST likely to be used?