rib cage

noun

: the bony enclosing wall of the chest consisting chiefly of the ribs and the structures connecting them

Examples of rib cage 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 muscles of your trunk are designed to work together to adjust tension so that your rib cage can move with your breath while your body bends, extends and rotates as needed. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Dicus said the 12-year veteran detective was shot just below the rib cage. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 That appearance comes from your breasts being lifted off the rib cage, which exposes your waist. — Jenny Berg, InStyle, 29 July 2026 Land on my side, with my hand in a fist between the rib cage and hard concrete. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rib cage

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rib cage was in 1883

Rhymes for rib cage

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Browse Nearby Words

ribby
rib cage
ribe
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Cite this Entry

“Rib cage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rib%20cage. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rib cage

noun
: the bony enclosing wall of the chest consisting chiefly of the ribs and their connecting parts

Medical Definition

rib cage

noun
: the bony enclosing wall of the chest consisting chiefly of the ribs and the structures connecting them

called also thoracic cage

More from Merriam-Webster on rib cage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rib cage

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