carpal

1 of 2

adjective

car·​pal ˈkär-pəl How to pronounce carpal (audio)
: of or relating to the carpus

carpal

2 of 2

noun

: a carpal element or bone

Examples of carpal in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
The carpal bone has little decorative or practical value, making its transport as a trade item improbable. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 18 Feb. 2026 The wrist never healed, and Schmitt underwent surgery in December to remove the carpal boss in his left wrist. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
But these effects were accompanied by swelling, joint pain, carpal tunnel and, in some cases, diabetes. — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 First, there was the wrist pain, which was originally misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel and other joint pain to injuries from an accident years earlier. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for carpal

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin carpalis, from carpus

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carpal was in 1743

Phrases Containing carpal

Rhymes for carpal

See All Rhymes for carpal

Browse Nearby Words

Carpaccio
carpal
carpal tunnel syndrome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carpal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpal. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carpal

1 of 2 adjective
car·​pal ˈkär-pəl How to pronounce carpal (audio)
: relating to the wrist or carpus

carpal

2 of 2 noun
: a carpal bone or cartilage

Medical Definition

carpal

1 of 2 adjective
car·​pal ˈkär-pəl How to pronounce carpal (audio)
: relating to the carpus

carpal

2 of 2 noun
: a carpal element : carpale
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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