kyphosis
noun
ky·pho·sis
kī-ˈfō-səs 
: exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spine resulting in a rounded upper back compare lordosis
Examples of kyphosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gallucci says this can lead to permanent forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and kyphosis, otherwise known as having a hunchback.
—
Luke Larsen, Wired News, 4 Sep. 2025
Rows with a barbell—corrects posture, strengthens the back, and prevents kyphosis (dowager’s hump).
—Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
John, 16, had kyphosis, a spinal disease often seen in older adults that is characterized by rounded shoulders and a hump in the back.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
While scoliosis specifically involves a sideways curvature, other deformities manifest as forward bending (kyphosis) or backward bending (lordosis).
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
For patients with severe spinal deformities, the quality-of-life burden for those living with kyphosis and scoliosis rivals those seen in oncology patients.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
The promise of a longer-looking neck may sound appealing to those with kyphosis, a forward curvature of the upper spine — casually known as a hunchback — but unfortunately, traptox is unlikely to make a difference in its appearance.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 25 Sep. 2023
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Luke Larsen, Wired News, 4 Sep. 2025
Rows with a barbell—corrects posture, strengthens the back, and prevents kyphosis (dowager’s hump).
—Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
John, 16, had kyphosis, a spinal disease often seen in older adults that is characterized by rounded shoulders and a hump in the back.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
While scoliosis specifically involves a sideways curvature, other deformities manifest as forward bending (kyphosis) or backward bending (lordosis).
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
For patients with severe spinal deformities, the quality-of-life burden for those living with kyphosis and scoliosis rivals those seen in oncology patients.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
The promise of a longer-looking neck may sound appealing to those with kyphosis, a forward curvature of the upper spine — casually known as a hunchback — but unfortunately, traptox is unlikely to make a difference in its appearance.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 25 Sep. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Kyphosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kyphosis. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
kyphosis
noun
ky·pho·sis
kī-ˈfō-səs
plural kyphoses
-ˌsēz
: exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spinal column resulting in a rounded upper back compare lordosis sense 2, scoliosis
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