cartilage
noun
car·ti·lage
ˈkär-tə-lij 
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
This diet is what gives their cartilage and fat a greenish color (not their shells), which is where their name comes from.
—
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Pinched nerves occur when the surrounding cartilage or muscle or bone tissue put excessive pressure on spinal joints.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 May 2025
And after guard Jalen Suggs appeared in only one game following Jan. 3 because of a back injury and left knee cartilage tear, Jamahl Mosley‘s squad had just two of its four double-digit scorers in the postseason.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
This is another factor that gives shark cartilage extra strength and flexibility.
—Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cartilage
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.
Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Pinched nerves occur when the surrounding cartilage or muscle or bone tissue put excessive pressure on spinal joints.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 May 2025
And after guard Jalen Suggs appeared in only one game following Jan. 3 because of a back injury and left knee cartilage tear, Jamahl Mosley‘s squad had just two of its four double-digit scorers in the postseason.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
This is another factor that gives shark cartilage extra strength and flexibility.
—Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cartilage
Cite this Entry
“Cartilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilage. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cartilage
noun
car·ti·lage
ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij
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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share