tailbone

noun

tail·​bone ˈtāl-ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
1
: a caudal vertebra
2
: coccyx

Examples of tailbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The back of the dress nearly plunged to her tailbone. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 24 June 2026 This caused an already off-balance Adebayo to fall clumsily to the ground and land directly on his tailbone. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026 Over development, the tail disappears, fusing to form the coccyx or tailbone. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 In the millions of years since our tails’ disappearance, the tailbone has been repurposed for new functions after losing its original one, a process known as exaptation. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tailbone

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tailbone was circa 1577

Rhymes for tailbone

See All Rhymes for tailbone

Browse Nearby Words

tailboard
tailbone
tail boom
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Cite this Entry

“Tailbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailbone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

tailbone

noun
tail·​bone -ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce tailbone (audio)
1
: a caudal vertebra
2
: coccyx

More from Merriam-Webster on tailbone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tailbone

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