orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-dik 

variants or less commonly orthopaedic

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

an orthopedic surgeon

orthopedic shoes

2

: marked by or affected with a skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

an orthopedic condition

people with orthopedic problems

orthopedically

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of orthopedic in a Sentence

She was wearing orthopedic shoes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, Jason O’Mara (Fire Country, The Man in the High Castle) will guest-star as Jack Gilroy, Maggie’s (Neve Campbell) current boyfriend who is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. —Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 5 May 2025

Jack is an orthopedic surgeon who’s fit, tan and comfortable in his own skin. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 May 2025

In a March 6 episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, longevity expert and orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright, MD, shared some of her top tips for aging well with Robbins. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Business records lists orthopedic surgeon Michael Coughlin as the governor of Standard Properties. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French orthopédique, from orthopédie orthopedics, from orth- + Greek paid-, pais child — more at few

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for orthopedic

• glycosidic
• orthopaedic
• comedic
• encyclopaedic
• encyclopedic

Kids Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or used in orthopedics

2

: marked by or affected with skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

Medical Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic

variants or chiefly British orthopaedic

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

orthopedic surgery

orthopedic casts

2

: marked by or affected with a deformity, disorder, or injury of the skeleton and associated structures

orthopedically adverb

or chiefly British orthopaedically

-ˈpēd-i-k(ə-)lē