spay

verb

ˈspā 

nonstandard ˈspād

spayed ˈspād 

nonstandard ˈspā-dəd

; spaying ˈspā-iŋ 

nonstandard ˈspā-diŋ

transitive verb

: to remove the ovaries and uterus of (a female animal)

Examples of spay in a Sentence

Our cat has been spayed.

Recent Examples on the Web

All adoptable pets are spayed, neutered and up to date on vaccines and tests. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

All available dogs have been neutered, spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026

Project Street Vet travels across North Georgia and the metro Atlanta area to spay, neuter, and vaccinate animals at no cost. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 18 June 2026

The rescue group said some of the beagles will go to other rescue groups while others will be sent to its Florida and Alabama campuses where they will be spayed, neutered, and prepared for adoption. — ABC News, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French espeer to pierce, castrate, from espee sword, from Latin spatha sword — more at spade

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spay

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

spay

verb

ˈspā 

: to remove the ovaries and uterus of (a female animal)

Medical Definition

spay

transitive verb

ˈspā 

spayed; spaying

: to remove the ovaries and uterus of (a female animal)