cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkär-tə-lij How to pronounce cartilage (audio)
ˈkärt-lij
1
: a usually translucent (see translucent sense 1) somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (such as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates
2
: a part or structure composed of cartilage

Examples of cartilage in a Sentence

She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.
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.
This allows for a low-impact range of motion that supports cartilage health. — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 The chattering and barking mammals that scamper through these woodlands rely on the pale fluid to grow fast, providing mammal pups with the raw materials to start turning the soft cartilage of their skeletons to more resilient bone. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 Wide receiver and kick returner KaVontae Turpin will also miss the contest with a rib cartilage issue after taking an awkward hit on the opening kickoff against Green Bay. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 The procedure does not rebuild lost cartilage or reverse structural joint damage. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cartilage

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cartilage was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing cartilage

Browse Nearby Words

cartiest
cartilage
cartilage glottis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cartilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilage. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

cartilage

noun
car·​ti·​lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij How to pronounce cartilage (audio)
ˈkärt-lij
1
: an elastic tissue which composes most of the skeleton of the vertebrate embryo and much of which is changed to bone later in life
2
: a part or structure composed of cartilage

Medical Definition

cartilage

noun
car·​ti·​lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij, ˈkärt-lij How to pronounce cartilage (audio)
1
: a usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates
2
: a part or structure composed of cartilage

More from Merriam-Webster on cartilage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cartilage

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