circumcision

noun

cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsi-zhən  ˈsər-kəm-ˌsi- 

1

a

: the act of circumcising

especially : the cutting off of the foreskin of males that is practiced as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims and by others as a social custom or for potential health benefits (such as improved hygiene)

b

: female genital mutilation

c

: the condition of being circumcised

2

capitalized : January 1 observed as a festival in some churches in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus

Examples of circumcision in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lawmakers in New Hampshire are seeking to ensure the state ends Medicaid coverage for elective circumcisions in 2025. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

Orthodox and Conservative Jews require converts to immerse themselves in a mikvah, a ritual bath, and expect male converts to undergo circumcision or, if they are already circumcised, to be pricked to draw a ritual drop of blood. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

Opponents cited the potential health benefits of circumcision and parental rights. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

The former doctor did not tell the infant's parents about his license revocation when preparing to perform the circumcision, according to Cohen. —Holly Baltz, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

circumcision

noun

cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsizh-ən 

ˈsər-kəm-ˌsizh-

1

: the act of circumcising or being circumcised

especially : a Jewish rite performed on male infants as a sign of inclusion in the covenant between God and Abraham

2

capitalized : January 1 observed as a festival in some churches in honor of the circumcision of Jesus

Medical Definition

circumcision

noun

cir·​cum·​ci·​sion ˌsər-kəm-ˈsizh-ən 

1

: the act of circumcising:

a

: the cutting off of the foreskin of males that is practiced as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims and by others as a social custom or for potential health benefits (as improved hygiene)

b

: female genital mutilation

2

: the condition of being circumcised