lumbar

American

[luhm-ber, -bahr] / ˈlʌm bər, -bɑr /

adjective

of or relating to the loin or loins.

noun

a lumbar vertebra, artery, or the like.

lumbar British

/ ˈlʌmbə /

adjective

of, near, or relating to the part of the body between the lowest ribs and the hipbones

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

lumbar Scientific

/ lŭm′bər /

Located at or near the part of the back lying between the lowest ribs and the hips.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of lumbar

From the New Latin word lumbāris, dating back to 1650–60. See lumb-, -ar ¹

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.

The “Criminal Minds” star also underwent multiple spinal surgeries to manage cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition in which nerve bundle in the lumbar or sacral spine are compressed or not functioning properly.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

After visiting an optician who identified a problem with his optic nerve and referred him to a neurologist, George received an MRI and lumbar puncture which confirmed his MS diagnosis in March 2022.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Participants received doses of up to 70mg of zorevunersen through a lumbar puncture.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is on the two-game trip, but he was downgraded to out for the game against the Pelicans with a lumbar back strain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

I am in my own personal happy jet—in a wide seat and with the perfect mix of cool and warm air and the little pillow positioned perfectly in my lumbar region.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023