Wishbone

usgb/ˈwɪʃbəʊn/
noun

The V-shaped bone in the chest of a bird that you make a wish on.

After Thanksgiving dinner, my siblings and I always fight over who gets to break the wishbone.
Visual representation of "wishbone" - The V-shaped bone in the chest of a bird that you make a wish on.

Often appears as...

  • breaking a wishbone
  • turkey wishbone
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "wishbone"
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Holiday Tradition

The wishbone is often associated with holiday traditions, especially Thanksgiving in the United States.

Illustration for Holiday Tradition
The kids look forward to the wishbone tradition every Thanksgiving.
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Good Luck

Pulling apart a wishbone is seen as a way to bring good luck, where the person with the larger piece makes a wish.

Illustration for Good Luck
Tom and Sarah each held one end of the wishbone, hoping for good luck.
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Cultural Symbol

While mostly known in the US, the wishbone can symbolize luck and wish-making in other cultures too.

Illustration for Cultural Symbol
In our family, we have a tradition similar to the wishbone for Lunar New Year.
Visual representation of the word "Wishbone"

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