scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
also
skal-ˈpel How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
Synonyms of scalpelnext
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Examples of scalpel in a Sentence

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.
Truly dug into me like a scalpel. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 Kikta’s scalpel cuts into the man’s chest down to his ribs. — Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026 But Creasy, fueled by his promises to Poe and his new friendships, digs deep and grabs a scalpel lying on the floor. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 As the White House took aim at higher education and the scientific research enterprise with its budgetary scalpels, my world was thrown into chaos. — Nara Parameswaran, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scalpel

Word History

Etymology

Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scalpel was in 1742

Rhymes for scalpel

See All Rhymes for scalpel

Browse Nearby Words

scalp dance
scalpel
scalpellar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scalpel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalpel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scalpel

noun
scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Medical Definition

scalpel

noun
scal·​pel
ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on scalpel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scalpel

Nglish: Translation of scalpel for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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