surgeon

noun

sur·​geon ˈsər-jən How to pronounce surgeon (audio)
plural surgeons
Synonyms of surgeonnext
: a medical specialist who practices surgery : a physician trained and qualified to perform surgical procedures

Examples of surgeon 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.
In addition to surgeons and nurses, our team includes swallowing therapists, a physical therapist, a dental care team and a dietitian to help address issues with swallowing, nutrition, dental health, physical function and mood. — Marci Lee Nilsen, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026 Haines, a 65-year-old independent lawmaker, remained in critical condition on Thursday in a Melbourne hospital where surgeons have amputated both her legs, a health department statement said. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Speaking at the hospital on Wednesday, Haines' husband of almost 40 years, Phil, said that after days in intensive care, surgeons had been forced to amputate both her legs. — CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Farina, 46, is currently documenting her own facelift journey, which involves three separate surgeons, for a Disney show and her Substack. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surgeon

Word History

Etymology

Middle English surgien, from Anglo-French, alteration of cirurgien, from cirurgerie surgery

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surgeon was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing surgeon

Rhymes for surgeon

See All Rhymes for surgeon

Browse Nearby Words

surgent
surgeon
surgeon's agaric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surgeon. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

surgeon

noun
sur·​geon ˈsər-jən How to pronounce surgeon (audio)
: a physician who specializes in surgery

Medical Definition

surgeon

noun
sur·​geon ˈsər-jən How to pronounce surgeon (audio)
1
: a medical specialist who practices surgery : a physician trained and qualified to perform surgical procedures
2
: the senior medical officer of a military unit

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