vasectomy

noun

va·​sec·​to·​my və-ˈsek-tə-mē 

vā-ˈzek-

plural vasectomies

: surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility

Examples of vasectomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Guttmacher Institute counts just three contraceptive methods currently available to men – condoms, vasectomy and withdrawal – versus roughly five times as many options for women. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

This vas is the same tube that gets cut during a vasectomy. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Khloé Kardashian and her ex Tristan Thompson are opening up about his vasectomy, a surgical procedure for contraception. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 2026

And while he's had the vasectomy, more kids aren't off the table for Thompson. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French vasectomie, from vas (deferens) vas deferens + -ectomie -ectomy

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vasectomy

• colectomy
• cystectomy
• gastrectomy
• lobectomy
• mastectomy
• nephrectomy
• splenectomy
• thymectomy
• vitrectomy
• adrenalectomy
• cholecystectomy
• endarterectomy

Medical Definition

vasectomy

noun

va·​sec·​to·​my -tə-mē 

plural vasectomies

: surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility