circumcision

noun

cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce circumcision (audio) ˈsər-kəm-ˌsi- How to pronounce circumcision (audio)
1
a
: the act of circumcising
especially : the cutting off of the foreskin of males that is practiced as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims and by others as a social custom or for potential health benefits (such as improved hygiene)
c
: the condition of being circumcised
2
capitalized : January 1 observed as a festival in some churches in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus

Examples of circumcision in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During the trial, jurors heard from expert witnesses and the child's family, and saw graphic photos of the circumcision. Holly Baltz, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024 The mass circumcisions will last until the end of 2024. Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024 Prior to surgery, the man, who is in his 50s, was told that circumcision — either full or partial — could be warranted once the procedure was underway, according to a report in the New Zealand Herald. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2024 The tribal initiation of boys into adulthood has long been controversial in African countries such as South Africa, where incidents of botched, deadly circumcisions among Xhosa-speaking people have inspired campaigns for safe clinical circumcision. Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumcision 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumcision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumcision was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near circumcision

Cite this Entry

“Circumcision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumcision. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

circumcision

noun
cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce circumcision (audio)
ˈsər-kəm-ˌsizh-
1
: the act of circumcising or being circumcised
especially : a Jewish rite performed on male infants as a sign of inclusion in the covenant between God and Abraham
2
capitalized : January 1 observed as a festival in some churches in honor of the circumcision of Jesus

Medical Definition

circumcision

noun
cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce circumcision (audio)
1
: the act of circumcising:
a
: the cutting off of the foreskin of males that is practiced as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims and by others as a social custom or for potential health benefits (as improved hygiene)
2
: the condition of being circumcised

More from Merriam-Webster on circumcision

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!