sciatica

noun

sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈa-ti-kə How to pronounce sciatica (audio)
: pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh
broadly : pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or adjacent parts

Examples of sciatica in a Sentence

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.
James missed the first 14 games of the season while battling sciatica. — Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 James didn’t begin the season healthy for the first time because of sciatica, and Reaves missed the beginning of winter due to injury. — Law Murray, New York Times, 21 May 2026 Chirp Wheels are effective in relieving upper and lower back pain, sciatica, and tension headaches. — Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 14 Mar. 2026 The not-so-serious list of medical conditions for us includes hearing loss, acid-reflux, cataracts, and sciatica. — Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sciatica

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, feminine of sciaticus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sciatica was in the 14th century

Rhymes for sciatica

See All Rhymes for sciatica

Browse Nearby Words

sciatic
sciatica
sciatical
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sciatica

noun
sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈat-i-kə How to pronounce sciatica (audio)
: pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh
also : pain in or near the hips

Medical Definition

sciatica

noun
sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈat-i-kə How to pronounce sciatica (audio)
: pain along the course of a sciatic nerve especially in the back of the thigh caused by compression, inflammation, or reflex mechanisms
broadly : pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or adjacent parts

More from Merriam-Webster on sciatica

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sciatica

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