hunchback

[ huhnch-bak ]

noun

1. a person whose back is humped in a convex position because of abnormal spinal curvature. Compare kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis.
2. humpback ( def 1 ).

hunchback

/ ˈhʌntʃˌbæk /

noun

1. a person having an abnormal convex curvature of the thoracic spine
2. such a curvature

Derived Forms

• ˈhunchˌbacked, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunchback¹

First recorded in 1705–15; back formation from hunchbacked

Word History and Origins

Origin of hunchback¹

C18: from earlier hunchbacked, huckbacked humpbacked, influenced by bunchbacked, from bunch (in obsolete sense of hump ) + backed

Example Sentences

Richard, described as “deformed” in the play’s opening lines, has traditionally been portrayed as a hunchback — almost always by able-bodied actors, with only a few notable exceptions in recent years.

From New York Times

“The courtroom sketch artist hates him. I mean, absolutely, she turned him into the hunchback of ‘Bloatra Dame.’

From New York Times

The character is referred to as a “hunchback” by a rude rival in the books — an example of the attitude of the Tudor period, with no allowance or acceptance of differences.

From Seattle Times

In casting a Black woman in the role Shakespeare envisions as a hunchback, O'Hara conveys the character's outsider nature by having two white men portray her brothers.

From Salon

During the attempt, though, the pope asks Quasi to kill the king, leaving the hunchback in a bind.

From New York Times