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.
That contingency became necessary after Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder shortly before the encores at the band’s Brussels show. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026 Judge didn't express concern about trying for a quick return from an injury to his soleus muscle, which is part of the Achilles tendon. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 In October 2024, Simmons suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury at Ohio State. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Porzingis appeared in only 15 games for the Warriors after being traded from Atlanta at midseason, missing an equal amount of games due to illness, a back injury and Achilles tendon management. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 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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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 14 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tendon

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