hunchback Definition
- 1a person whose back is permanently bent forward due to an abnormal curvature of the upper spine
- 2a fictional character who is deformed and has a hunched back, such as Quasimodo in 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'
Using hunchback: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hunchback" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The old man was a hunchback, but he was still able to move around with the help of a cane.
Example
Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame, was a tragic figure in literature.
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with kyphosis, which caused him to become a hunchback.
hunchback Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for hunchback
- kyphotic
- deformed person
- crookback
Phrases with hunchback
Example
We were lucky enough to see a hunchback whale during our whale watching tour.
a bridge with a hump or arch in the middle, such as the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy
Example
The hunchbacked bridge over the river was a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Example
Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can cause hunchback posture.
Origins of hunchback
from Middle English 'hunche', meaning 'a hump or hunch', and 'bak', meaning 'back'
Summary: hunchback in Brief
The term 'hunchback' [huhnch-bak] refers to a person with a permanently bent forward back due to an abnormal curvature of the upper spine. It can also refer to a fictional character, such as Quasimodo in 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' The phrase 'hunchback posture' describes a rounded upper back and forward-hunched shoulders. Other uses include 'hunchbacked bridge,' and 'hunchback whale,' a common name for the gray whale.
