surrogacy

noun

sur·​ro·​ga·​cy ˈsər-ə-gə-sē How to pronounce surrogacy (audio)
: the practice of serving as a surrogate mother

Examples of surrogacy in a Sentence

choosing between adoption and surrogacy
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.
Fetal personhood would also likely eliminate, or at a minimum severely restrict, people who seek to start a family using surrogacy and in vitro fertilization. — Jim Defede, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 Even alternative pathways, such as adoption, surrogacy, or gamete or embryo donation, can cost a small fortune. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 One of the issues raised by the New Yorker story is that there are surrogacy agencies that connect parents and potential surrogates. — Ariana Aspuru, Vox, 14 Oct. 2026 The bureau’s investigation focuses on potential money laundering and surrogacy fraud crimes, according to the two law enforcement sources, who requested anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surrogacy

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surrogacy was in 1982

Browse Nearby Words

surrey green
surrogacy
surrogate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

surrogacy

noun
sur·​ro·​ga·​cy ˈsər-ə-gə-sē, ˈsə-rə- How to pronounce surrogacy (audio)
plural surrogacies
: the practice of serving as a surrogate mother

Legal Definition

surrogacy

noun
sur·​ro·​ga·​cy ˈsər-ə-gə-sē How to pronounce surrogacy (audio)
plural surrogacies
1
: the office of a surrogate
2
: the practice of serving as a surrogate mother
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