sex change
Americannoun
noun
Sensitive Note
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.