tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən How to pronounce tendon (audio)
: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part (such as a bone) and transmits the force which the muscle exerts

Examples of tendon 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.
Mariano Rivera was back on the field at the Yankees’ annual Old-Timer’s Day on Saturday after tearing an Achilles tendon playing the outfield at the event last year. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 Oladipo has had three major knee surgeries, two as a result of a ruptured quadriceps tendon in his right knee and one to repair a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026 This time a year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs left tackle surprised many with his near-full bill of health after a patellar tendon tear at Ohio State. — Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Slater had his left knee surgically repaired after rupturing his patellar tendon last August. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tendon

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin tendōn-, tendō, probably derivative of Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch" after Greek tenont-, ténōn "sinew, tendon," from ten-, variant stem of teínein "to stretch, extend" + -ont-, -ōn, deverbal noun suffix — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tendon was in 1541

Phrases Containing tendon

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tendo
tendon
tendon of Achilles
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Cite this Entry

“Tendon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tendon. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tendon

noun
ten·​don ˈten-dən How to pronounce tendon (audio)
: a tough cord or band of dense white connective tissue that links a muscle to some other part (as a bone)

Medical Definition

tendon

noun
ten·​don ˈten-dən How to pronounce tendon (audio)
: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part, transmits the force which the muscle exerts, and is continuous with the connective-tissue epimysium and perimysium of the muscle and when inserted into a bone with the periosteum of the bone

More from Merriam-Webster on tendon

Nglish: Translation of tendon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tendon

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