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

Researchers also took into account the impact of circumcision and pubic hair, but did not find these features to impact bacterial exchange. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025

While some friends told me my concern about inflicting pain on an infant was ridiculous, Oster cites a 1997 study showing infants who experience pain during circumcision have stronger pain responses to their shots four to six months later. —Robin Abcarian Los Angeles Times, arkansasonline.com, 9 Feb. 2025

Male circumcision is a rite of passage in some religions, such as Islam and Judaism, but others choose circumcision for possible health benefits. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

Why one teen broke with the brotherhood - After initiation rites – including circumcision – the boys leave their families to take charge of the herds, driving them high into the mountains. —Marc Silver, NPR, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for circumcision

• cablevision
• imprecision
• indecision
• subdivision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

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