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
ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce orthopedic (audio)
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.
Refresh your summer wardrobe with a Madewell tank top and orthopedic flip-flops that are supportive for ache-prone feet. — Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Higher earning specialties like plastic and orthopedic surgery tend to be even more right leaning. — Kavitha Ranganathan, STAT, 29 June 2026 But for children and adolescents whose bodies and skeletons are still growing, specialized pediatric orthopedic care is critical. — Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 The bag is finished with an adjustable strap and the brand’s iconic square buckle, and references Birkenstock’s orthopedic roots and functional heritage centered around adjustability and fit. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 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

Rhymes for orthopedic

See All Rhymes for orthopedic

Browse Nearby Words

orthopanchromatic
orthopedic
orthopedics
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orthopedic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopedic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik How to pronounce orthopedic (audio)
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 How to pronounce orthopedic (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on orthopedic

Nglish: Translation of orthopedic for Spanish Speakers

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