Synonyms

Caesarean section

British

noun

surgical incision through the abdominal and uterine walls in order to deliver a baby

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Caesarean section

C17: from the belief that Julius Caesar was so delivered, the name allegedly being derived from caesus, past participle of caedere to cut

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A woman who went into hospital for a planned Caesarean section and ended up in a coma for four days has said she remains traumatised by her experience.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

Her twins were delivered by Caesarean section at 26 weeks in a high-risk operation.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

It also showed earlier delivery reduced the need for emergency Caesarean section and did not increase the risk of tearing.

From BBC • May 7, 2025

Within a matter of days she was preparing not only for a Caesarean section to deliver her baby, but also to undergo chemotherapy and have a mastectomy.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024

Eighteen months later his sister was born, and five and a half years after the birth of his sister, his brother was born by Caesarean section, both in that same hospital.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023