Definition

A forked bone found in birds, located in front of the breastbone, formed by the fusion of the clavicles.

Example

The children made a wish while pulling on the wishbone after the holiday dinner.

Conversation

Did you ever break a wishbone when you were a kid?

Yeah, I always hoped for something special when I did.

I remember we used to make a big deal out of it during Thanksgiving.

Same here! It was like a little tradition for our family.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Wishbone** → The word is formed from "wish" (from Old English *wyscan*, meaning to desire or long for) and "bone" (from Old English *ban*, meaning the hard structure that makes up the skeleton). The term "wishbone" refers to the forked bone found in birds, traditionally associated with making a wish when two people pull it apart.

Memory Tip

Think of the act of 'desiring' ('wish') something while holding the 'bone' — that's why a wishbone is linked to making a wish.

Visually Confused Words