sex change

American  

[seks cheynj] / ˈsɛks ˌtʃeɪndʒ /

noun

1. (no longer in common use; now often considered offensive) See sex reassignment surgery.

---

sex change British  

noun

1. 1. a change in a person's physical sexual characteristics to those of the opposite sex, often achieved by surgery

   2. ( as modifier )

      a sex-change operation

---

Sensitive Note

See sex reassignment surgery.

Etymology

Origin of sex change

First recorded in 1920–25 (in reference to hermaphrodite organisms that can change their sex); 1960–65 for current sense

Example Sentences

Its findings are among the strongest yet that sex change treatments don’t help—and are more likely to hurt—these vulnerable young patients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Christine Jorgensen was the first American to undergo what was then called "sex change" surgery, in Denmark in 1952, making headline news.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2022

But the county health plan had excluded sex change surgery and drugs since 1998.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 11, 2022

Topping the priority list for Ganserer, who was elected to Bavaria’s regional parliament in 2013, is an easier procedure for ratifying a sex change on identity documents.

From Reuters • Sep. 27, 2021

“The sex change in this species is remarkable because it’s so quick,” Todd said.

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2019