sciatica

noun

sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈa-ti-kə 

: 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

Jonathan Kuminga will be out for a seventh straight game with knee soreness, and Al Horford will be sidelined because of sciatica. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2025

Center Al Horford will miss at least a week because of sciatica, but yet another key member of the Warriors will sit out Monday's game. —Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

James, playing just his second game after being sidelined by sciatica since training camp, recorded 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds in 34 minutes. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025

James missed the Lakers’ first 14 games of the 2025-26 campaign due to sciatica – a nerve issue causing pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg. —Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sciatica

• hepatica

Kids Definition

sciatica

noun

sci·​at·​i·​ca sī-ˈat-i-kə 

: 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 

: 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