deformity

noun

de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mə-tē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
dē-
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: imperfection, blemish: such as
a
: a physical blemish or distortion : disfigurement
b
: a moral or aesthetic flaw or defect

Examples of deformity in a Sentence

a disease causing deformity of the spine a primitive culture that cast aside infants born with deformities, allowing them to die of exposure to the elements
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nonprofit offers free medical screenings for kids in need Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a nonprofit that helps children with physical deformities get reconstructive surgery, will provide free medical screenings for underserved children in need. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 The 5-year-old, who was born with an ear deformity and cannot verbally communicate, misses his father and has been extremely distressed since his arrest, said Lucia Curiel, one of the family’s lawyers. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 Goody was born with a hip deformity that caused early onset arthritis in her front leg, according to a tribute video created by the Sacramento Zoo. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025 The rare genetic bone disorder makes people more susceptible to breaking and fracturing bones and leads to bone deformities and a curved spine, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deformity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deformite, from Middle French defformeteit, from Latin deformitat-, deformitas, from deformis deformed, from de- + forma

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deformity was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformity. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

deformity

noun
de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or twisting out of a natural shape or condition
3
: a morally disgusting or artistically ugly imperfection

Medical Definition

deformity

noun
de·​for·​mi·​ty di-ˈfȯr-mət-ē How to pronounce deformity (audio)
plural deformities
1
: the state of being deformed
2
: a physical blemish or distortion
deformities caused by thalidomide

More from Merriam-Webster on deformity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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