sex change

American  

[seks cheynj] / 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

Example Sentences

Since at least 1998, the county's plan has excluded coverage for "services and supplies for a sex change," an outdated term to refer to surgeries or medications related to gender transition.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2023

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

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

And she had a court ruling against two doctors at the Suffolk County jail for denying her hormone therapy, causing her to start what her lawyer described as an involuntary sex change.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2019