maxillofacial

adjective

max·​il·​lo·​fa·​cial mak-ˌsi-(ˌ)lō-ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce maxillofacial (audio)
ˌmak-sə-(ˌ)lō-
: of, relating to, or treating the maxilla and the face
maxillofacial surgeons

Examples of maxillofacial 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.
Having made multiple visits to her dentist, the retired mom eventually booked an appointment with a private oral maxillofacial consultant. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025 That's according to Justin Richer, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in treating TMJ disorder. — Emily Kwong, NPR, 5 Dec. 2025 Such growths point to oral and maxillofacial disease, sinus and ear infections, and osteoarthritis, among others, the researchers reported in the British Dental Journal Open. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2025 Following the fight, Pereira received a 180-day medical suspension, the maximum term, pending a clean maxillofacial CT scan for facial injuries. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maxillofacial

Word History

Etymology

maxilla + -o- + facial entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maxillofacial was circa 1923

Rhymes for maxillofacial

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Browse Nearby Words

maxilliped
maxillofacial
maxillopalatal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maxillofacial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maxillofacial. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

maxillofacial

adjective
max·​il·​lo·​fa·​cial -ˈfā-shəl How to pronounce maxillofacial (audio)
: of, relating to, treating, or affecting the maxilla and the face
maxillofacial surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on maxillofacial

Nglish: Translation of maxillofacial for Spanish Speakers

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