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

If clinical trials continue to confirm these results, this could be a major shift in orthopedic surgery, especially for complex fractures (like shattered bones from accidents). —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025

An older pet might benefit from an orthopedic dog bed, while an anxious pet could find a fluffy donut bed more calming and comfortable. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

Those who still experience pain should seek proper orthopedic care, as physical therapy and other treatments can help restore function and decrease discomfort. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Waters has worked as an orthopedic surgeon in Boise since 1993 and opened his own private practice, Americana Orthopaedics, in 2002. —Mia Maldonado, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025

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