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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for circumcision

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

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Cite this Entry

“Circumcision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumcision. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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

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