tibia

noun

tib·​ia ˈti-bē-ə 

plural tibiae ˈti-bē-ˌē  -bē-ˌī  also tibias

1

: the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate hind or lower limb between the knee and ankle

2

: the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and tarsus

tibial

ˈti-bē-əl 

adjective

Examples of tibia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tendon attaches the kneecap to the tibia and plays a crucial role in knee extension. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

In addition, the Nets will be missing Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot injury recovery), Maxwell Lewis (left tibia fracture), De’Anthony Melton (left ACL tear) and Trendon Watford (left hamstring strain). —Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025

Sticking out his left leg from the open-door vehicle in an attempt to brace for impact, Foster suffered major fractures of his tibia and fibula. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

His injuries included eight ribs broken in 14 places, right knee and ankle broken, left leg tibia broken, left ankle broken, right clavicle broken, right shoulder broken and more. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tibia

noun

tib·​ia ˈtib-ē-ə 

plural tibiae -ē-ˌē 

-ē-ˌī

also tibias

1

: the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate leg that is located between the knee and the ankle

called also shinbone

2

: the fourth joint of the leg of an insect between the femur and the tarsus

tibial

-ē-əl 

adjective

Medical Definition

tibia

noun

tib·​ia ˈtib-ē-ə 

plural tibiae -ē-ˌē  -ē-ˌī  also tibias

: the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the leg between the knee and ankle that articulates above with the femur and below with the talus

called also shinbone