vasectomy

noun

va·​sec·​to·​my və-ˈsek-tə-mē How to pronounce vasectomy (audio)
vā-ˈzek-
plural vasectomies
: surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Ashley Graham revealed her husband Justin Ervin got a vasectomy after welcoming their twins last year. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023 And a partner’s vasectomy is the fifth leading contraceptive, relied on by 5.6% of women in that age group, after birth control pills, male condoms and intrauterine devices, or IUDs. Elizabeth Hintz, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2022 Intermountain Healthcare said their clinics have not seen an increase in vasectomy consults. Jordan Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 July 2022 Staff would either have to perform a vasectomy on Mshindi or try to keep the males and females separate when the females were cycling. Dallas News, 23 Jan. 2022 In men, the sterilization process is known as a vasectomy, which involves severing the tubes that carry the supply of sperm to the semen. Elizabeth Hintz, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2022 Cohen quickly hit back suggesting that perhaps Cannon should consider getting a vasectomy. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 1 Jan. 2023 Jamie got a vasectomy but did not appear for his follow-up appointment. Kerry Howley, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2022 Sure, men can use condoms or have a vasectomy, but women have a much more dizzying array of options from which to choose. Carrie Arnold, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2013 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vasectomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vasectomy was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near vasectomy

Cite this Entry

“Vasectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasectomy. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Medical Definition

vasectomy

noun
va·​sec·​to·​my -tə-mē How to pronounce vasectomy (audio)
plural vasectomies
: surgical division or resection of all or part of the vas deferens usually to induce sterility

More from Merriam-Webster on vasectomy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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