The term "hip bones" refers to the two bones in the human body that form the hip joint. These are the pelvic bone and the sacrum, which come together at the back of the pelvis to create a ball-and-socket joint with the femur (thigh bone). The hip bones provide support for the weight of the upper body and allow for movement in various directions. They also play an important role in maintaining balance during walking or running, as they help to distribute the body's weight evenly between both legs.