circumcision

noun

cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsi-zhən  ˈsər-kəm-ˌsi- 

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)

b

: female genital mutilation

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

Kennedy then injected circumcision into the discussion. —Michael Hiltzik, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025

From there the conversation went on to the topic of misinformation and disinformation about Covid, circumcision, baby formula and food dyes. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025

Another 2013 ecological analysis found a correlation in autism prevalence in males and a country's circumcision rate. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025

The politician may have been referring to a 2013 study of eight countries and a 2015 study based in Denmark that claimed to show a link between circumcision and autism, but they have since been strongly criticized by the medical community for their lack of proper scientific methodology. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for circumcision

• cablevision
• imprecision
• indecision
• subdivision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

Kids Definition

circumcision

noun

cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsizh-ən 

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 

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)

b

: female genital mutilation

2

: the condition of being circumcised