orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-dik How to pronounce orthopedic (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of orthopedic in a Sentence

She was wearing orthopedic shoes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By one estimate based on tax returns, the average orthopedic surgeon or dermatologist earns roughly three times as much as the average primary-care doctor. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2025 The series detailed how Mass. General gave orthopedic surgeons financial incentives to perform more procedures, and a handful of doctors regularly took advantage of the policy by scheduling concurrent surgeries in two operating rooms. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 What to do instead: Get foot issues evaluated by a pro, even if that means starting with your primary care doctor, who may refer you to a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist, depending on what ails you. Erica Sloan, SELF, 21 Feb. 2025 Recently, an orthopedic spine surgeon told me that he’s seen increasing cases of arthritis in young, healthy individuals, likely due to posture issues caused by constant screen use. Hannah Singleton, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orthopedic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthopedic was in 1829

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orthopedic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopedic. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

orthopedic

adjective
or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik How to pronounce orthopedic (audio)
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on orthopedic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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