spay
1 Americanverb (used with object)
noun
verb
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
A dog spay is on average about £300.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2024
Astrof said this action wouldn’t significantly alleviate the crisis at shelters unless the city begins to enforce its spay and neuter policy.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2024
Other programs ease the financial burden of owning a dog or a cat, through pet food pantries and veterinary services like spay and neuter clinics.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023
To spade a garden is to dig it up; to spay a cat is to keep her from having kittens.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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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.