scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
also
skal-ˈpel How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
Synonyms of scalpelnext
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Examples of scalpel 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.
Earlier that day, Parker — who had pretended to be pregnant for 10 months — stabbed her pregnant friend Reagan Simmons-Hancock 15 times, then performed a crude cesarean section, cutting the fetus out of her body with a scalpel and removing it from her uterus. Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 Features include a magnetic eternal pen, ruler, #11 scalpel blade, bottle opener, ceramic-bead glass breaker, bit driver, caliper, and adjustable wrench with a 0-18 mm capacity. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 28 May 2026 Kikta’s scalpel cuts into the man’s chest down to his ribs. Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026 His girlfriend in stirrups, her assistant slicing the fruit with a scalpel instead of a chef’s knife. Literary Hub, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scalpel

Word History

Etymology

Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scalpel was in 1742

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scalpel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalpel. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

scalpel

noun
scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Medical Definition

scalpel

noun
scal·​pel
ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

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