female genital mutilation

noun

: a procedure performed especially as a cultural rite that typically includes the total or partial excision of the female external genitalia and especially the clitoris and labia minora and that is now outlawed in many nations including the U.S.

—abbreviation FGM

called also female circumcision

compare infibulation

Examples of female genital mutilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the third year in a row, Simenesh Comollo, a survivor of female genital mutilation, has appeared before lawmakers to testify in support of a bill that would ban the practice in the state of Connecticut. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026

An 8-year old rescued from female genital mutilation recovers at the Kalas Girls School in Amudat District, Uganda. —Forbes.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Halfway through college, Russell spent two months in Tanzania assisting a nonprofit that taught female genital mutilation survivors how to make clothes to support themselves. —Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

As part of that initiation, Ms. Sheriff and other older women from the village will perform female genital mutilation (FGM) on the girls. —Tina Mehnpaine, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for female genital mutilation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

female genital mutilation

noun

: a procedure performed especially as a cultural rite that typically includes the total or partial excision of the female external genitalia and especially the clitoris and labia minora and that is now outlawed in many nations including the United States

—abbreviation FGM

called also female circumcision

compare infibulation