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

LeBron James didn't play due to arthritis and sciatica as Los Angeles' three-game winning streak came to an end. —CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

James also scored 30 points in Tuesday’s win but sat out Wednesday because of right sciatica and left foot arthritis. —Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

James sat out training camp and the first 14 games of the season because of the sciatica that affects his lower back and down his right leg. —Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

This luxury mattress style is geared for sleepers with chronic joint and back pain caused by sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026

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