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

In this way, rhetoric around men’s fertility can interfere with broad acceptance of vasectomy. —Jenna Vinson, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

But how did this pairing take hold — and what does a vasectomy involve? —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

In France, Ruben Dalu, a headhunter from Les Lilas, a suburb east of Paris, didn’t want kids, but at 28, felt too young for a vasectomy. —Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026

Unlike a vasectomy, in which the vas deferens is cut and sealed, the implant is designed to be temporary, with the water-soluble gel dissolving naturally after two years. —Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 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