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

Is a Pink concert the right place for a protest regarding circumcision? —Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2023

When the topic of circumcision came up, Kalani suggested Asuelu share his own story. —Kelly Martinez, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2023

Efforts in several countries to ban the slaughter of animals for meat without stunning — a key factor in European efforts to curtail kosher slaughter — and non-medical male circumcision emerged for the first time as one of the top three greatest threats facing Jewish communities. —Cnaan Liphshiz, sun-sentinel.com, 22 Nov. 2021

According to its website, St. Julian is part of a health care group called Premier Women's OBGYN with two locations offering circumcisions, infertility treatment and other services in addition to low- and high-risk obstetric care. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023

Born in Guinea, she was forced into exile as a child, underwent a female circumcision at nine years old, and was married and had a child at 17. —Barry Samaha, Harper's BAZAAR, 2 Aug. 2023

This major biennial gathering of scientists will also hear noteworthy presentations regarding post-treatment control of HIV in infant boys, circumcision’s impact on HIV risk in gay men, and the relationship between HIV and mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). —Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 19 July 2023

For example, circumcision is an appropriate treatment for most men with cancer of the foreskin. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 2 June 2023

For decades, circumcision was something of a given in the United States. —Meagan Drillinger, Men's Health, 31 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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