What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collarbone
Example
She broke her collarbone when she fell off her bike. [collarbone: noun]
Example
The doctor examined his collarbone to check for any fractures. [collarbone: noun]
clavicle
Example
The clavicle is one of the main bones in the human body. [clavicle: noun]
Example
He injured his clavicle while playing football. [clavicle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Collarbone is more commonly used than clavicle in everyday language. It is a versatile term that is easily understood by most people. On the other hand, clavicle is more commonly used in medical and scientific fields, where precise terminology is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collarbone and clavicle?
While collarbone is associated with a casual and informal tone, clavicle is considered more formal and is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.