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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. 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

"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

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

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

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

"I talked to academics, doctors, sex change surgeons, therapists, psychiatrists, trans activists, and politicians," Walsh tweeted.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2022

Kambugu underwent hormonal therapy and sex change surgery in Thailand in 2015 and has since obtained a Ugandan passport and identity document that state her gender as female.

From Reuters • Nov. 18, 2021

South Korea prohibits transgender people from joining the military but has no specific laws on what to do with those who have sex change operations during their time in service.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2021

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

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2019

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