Synonyms

spay

¹ American

[spey] / speɪ /

verb (used with object)

Veterinary Medicine.

to remove the ovaries of (an animal).

spay ² American

[spey] / speɪ /

noun

a three-year-old male red deer.

spay British

/ speɪ /

verb

(tr) to remove the ovaries, and usually the uterus, from (a female animal)

"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

Other Word Forms

unspayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of spay¹

1375–1425; late Middle English spayen < Anglo-French espeïer to cut with a sword ( Old French espeer ), derivative of espee sword; épée

Origin of spay²

1375–1425; late Middle English < ?

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.

His legislation would also provide free vaccinations and spay or neuter services to the felines.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

On her last day as a student, as part of her laparoscopic procedural class, Ponkey took on the role of primary surgeon to spay the dog and remove its ovaries.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

Among the proposed legislation is a bill to establish a high-volume spay and neuter certification program for veterinary students at UC Davis and the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2024

A dog spay is on average about £300.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2024

“Thank you for your call. Please spay or neuter your pets.”

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023