: a method for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves the staining of exfoliated cells using a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue
called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test
Examples of Pap smear in a Sentence
She has a Pap smear done every year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Your healthcare provider may also want to perform a Pap smear.
—
Jess Sims, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
Many women skip screenings because the traditional screening method, often referred to as a Pap smear (fun fact: it also hasn’t been updated in nearly a century), is invasive, inconvenient and uncomfortable.
—Mallory Walsh, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Typically, screening for HPV in patients involves a Pap smear, also known as a Pap test.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024
The United States Preventative Service Task Force advises people with cervixes to get their first Pap smear at age 21 and once every three years after that.
—Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
One patient alleged that after a Pap smear decades ago, Brock inserted his finger into her rectum without warning or consent.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
In a press release, BD noted that many people are not comfortable with the pelvic exam required for a traditional Pap smear for a variety of reasons, including past negative experiences, or social or religious preferences.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024
During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider will use a small brush to remove cells from the cervix surface.
—Michelle Pugle, Health, 4 Sep. 2024
Save Getting a Pap smear isn’t among my favorite things to do, ranking somewhere between eating cauliflower (ugh) and going to the dentist (worse).
—Gemma Correll, Washington Post, 15 July 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jess Sims, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
Many women skip screenings because the traditional screening method, often referred to as a Pap smear (fun fact: it also hasn’t been updated in nearly a century), is invasive, inconvenient and uncomfortable.
—Mallory Walsh, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Typically, screening for HPV in patients involves a Pap smear, also known as a Pap test.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024
The United States Preventative Service Task Force advises people with cervixes to get their first Pap smear at age 21 and once every three years after that.
—Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
One patient alleged that after a Pap smear decades ago, Brock inserted his finger into her rectum without warning or consent.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024
In a press release, BD noted that many people are not comfortable with the pelvic exam required for a traditional Pap smear for a variety of reasons, including past negative experiences, or social or religious preferences.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024
During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider will use a small brush to remove cells from the cervix surface.
—Michelle Pugle, Health, 4 Sep. 2024
Save Getting a Pap smear isn’t among my favorite things to do, ranking somewhere between eating cauliflower (ugh) and going to the dentist (worse).
—Gemma Correll, Washington Post, 15 July 2024
Dictionary Entries Near Pap smear
Cite this Entry
“Pap smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pap%20smear. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Pap smear
noun
: a test for the early detection of cancer especially of the cervix of the uterus using cells that are shed or scraped off and stained in a special way
called also Pap test
Medical Definition
Pap smear
noun
: a method or a test based on it for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves staining exfoliated cells by a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue
called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share