hunchback
Americannoun
-
a person whose back is humped in a convex position because of abnormal spinal curvature.
noun
-
a person having an abnormal convex curvature of the thoracic spine
-
such a curvature
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of hunchback
First recorded in 1705–15; back formation from hunchbacked
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
In Guillermo Cienfuegos’ enlivening, if at times unsteady, production at A Noise Within, the role is played by Ann Noble, who forgoes the outdated hunchback but adopts a seething, slithering, perversely seductive aura of menace.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 26, 2026
He saw the gloriously skewed al-Hadba minaret, known as the "hunchback", which had been emblematic of Mosul for hundreds of years, in ruins.
From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2025
This leads into an aspect that I want to discuss, which others have pointed out: Richard III is typically played by someone who is mimicking a hunchback or portraying scoliosis.
From Salon ● May 18, 2023
During the attempt, though, the pope asks Quasi to kill the king, leaving the hunchback in a bind.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
“Oh yes, good, my way, thank you, Vizzini,” Fezzik said to the hunchback.
From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman
Richard II is about a deposition of a sitting monarch but features no hunchbacks.
From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2011
Angels, hunchbacks, giant toucans materialize as cameo apparitions.
From Time Magazine Archive
Wizened old women bent like hunchbacks sold flavored waters and goat's milk from glazed ceramic jugs strapped to their shoulders.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
He then went to Mr. Punch and linked his arm in his, and the two hunchbacks stepped forward together and stood before Aunt Amanda.
From The Old Tobacco Shop A True Account of What Befell a Little Boy in Search of Adventure by Bowen, William
Both races cut the boss from hunchbacks after decease, and 'make fetish' over it to free the future family from similar distortion.
From To The Gold Coast for Gold, Vol. II A Personal Narrative by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
