circumcision

American  

[sur-kuhm-sizh-uhn] / ˌsɜr kəmˈsɪʒ ən /

noun

1. an act, instance, or the rite of circumcising.

2. clitoridectomy.

3. spiritual purification.

4. (initial capital letter) a church festival in honor of the circumcision of Jesus, observed on January 1.

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circumcision British  

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈsɪʒən /

noun

1. 1. surgical removal of the foreskin of males

   2. surgical incision into the skin covering the clitoris in females

   3. removal of the clitoris

2. the act of circumcision, performed as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims

3. RC Church the festival celebrated on Jan 1 in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus

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circumcision Cultural  

1. The surgical removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis, usually performed soon after birth. Although circumcision is common in the United States, the procedure is no longer widely recommended as a medical necessity by physicians.

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Discover More

Circumcision is performed as a religious ceremony by Jews (see also Jews) and Muslims.

Etymology

Origin of circumcision

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Late Latin circumcīsiōn-, stem of circumcīsiō, equivalent to circumcise + -ion

Example Sentences

Who can blame the infant, even one so tender and mild, for squawking during his circumcision?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Earlier this month, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, accused the government of antisemitism for investigating mohels, specialists in ritual Jewish circumcision, who potentially lacked medical training required by the state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

In a new surge of medical disinformation and misinformation, RFK Jr. goes after Tylenol and circumcision.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

"A more recent review of studies in this area finds no association between circumcision and any adverse psychological effects," he added.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

In Xhosa tradition, this is achieved through one means only: circumcision.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela