hysterectomy

noun

hys·​ter·​ec·​to·​my ˌhi-stə-ˈrek-tə-mē 

plural hysterectomies

: surgical removal of the uterus

hysterectomized

ˌhi-stə-ˈrek-tə-ˌmīzd 

adjective

Examples of hysterectomy in a Sentence

a surgeon who has performed many hysterectomies

Recent Examples on the Web

In severe cases, particularly when other treatments have failed, a hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries may also be considered. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026

In January 2022, the tennis legend revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage 1C ovarian cancer after undergoing a preventive hysterectomy. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

Given the delays, doctors recommend a full hysterectomy, according to her medical records. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026

There can be many different causes of pelvic floor dysfunction, including pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic injuries to the pelvic area (from a bad fall or a car accident, for example) and pelvic surgery (such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy). — Stacey Colino, Time, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hysterectomy

• appendectomy
• hepatectomy
• iridectomy
• laminectomy
• laryngectomy
• oophorectomy
• pneumonectomy
• prostatectomy
• sympathectomy
• thyroidectomy
• tonsillectomy
• adrenalectomy

Medical Definition

hysterectomy

noun

hys·​ter·​ec·​to·​my ˌhis-tə-ˈrek-tə-mē 

plural hysterectomies

: surgical removal of the uterus see ovariohysterectomy, panhysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy

hysterectomized adjective

also British hysterectomised

-tə-ˌmīzd