hysterectomy

noun

hys·​ter·​ec·​to·​my ˌhi-stə-ˈrek-tə-mē How to pronounce hysterectomy (audio)
plural hysterectomies
: surgical removal of the uterus
hysterectomized
ˌhi-stə-ˈrek-tə-ˌmīzd How to pronounce hysterectomy (audio)
adjective

Examples of hysterectomy in a Sentence

a surgeon who has performed many hysterectomies
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is why estrogen-only therapy is nearly always given to women who’ve had a hysterectomy. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026 Recovery after a hysterectomy usually takes four to six weeks, per the Cleveland Clinic. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Ideally, these trials would enroll women around the age of menopause who’ve had a hysterectomy and can safely take estrogen-only therapy, says Bruno. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Wynn recently underwent a hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, along with a salpingectomy, a procedure to remove the fallopian tubes. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hysterectomy

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hysterectomy was in 1872

Rhymes for hysterectomy

See All Rhymes for hysterectomy

Browse Nearby Words

hyster-
hysterectomy
hysteresis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hysterectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hysterectomy. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hysterectomy

noun
hys·​ter·​ec·​to·​my ˌhis-tə-ˈrek-tə-mē How to pronounce hysterectomy (audio)
plural hysterectomies
: surgical removal of the uterus see ovariohysterectomy, panhysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy
hysterectomized adjective
also British hysterectomised
-tə-ˌmīzd How to pronounce hysterectomy (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on hysterectomy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hysterectomy

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