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

There's also Johnson & Johnson , which has become the Alphabet of the group on the strength of its anti-cancer, ophthalmological, and immunological franchises and on the recognition that its orthopedic business — fixing knees and hips — are too commoditized and should be departed from. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026

Scripps Clinic orthopedic physicians provide comprehensive musculoskeletal care, including diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, soft tissue and nerves. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

Medscape’s 2024 Physician Compensation Report found orthopedic doctors make $558,000 a year on average, but pediatricians make $260,000. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 15 Jan. 2026

The new hospital also now houses Sanford’s orthopedic residency program, which will continue to train future orthopedic surgeons. —Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 13 Jan. 2026

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