sex change

American  

[seks chaynj] / ˈsɛks ˌtʃeɪndʒ /

noun

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

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sex change

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

Baerbock responded: "I'm not going to have a sex change in the next six months. Of course the question of emancipation played a role but it wasn't the only reason."

From Reuters ● Jul. 8, 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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