cesarean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical, formal, everyday (in discussions of childbirth).
Quick answer
What does “cesarean” mean?
A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
Pertaining to or resulting from this type of birth; by extension, can refer to any non-natural or surgically-created opening or method.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK strongly prefers the spelling 'caesarean'. US uses both 'cesarean' (more common in medical contexts) and 'caesarean', with 'C-section' being the dominant informal term in both.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. No significant connotative difference beyond spelling.
Frequency
In everyday speech, 'C-section' is far more frequent than the full term in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “cesarean” in a Sentence
UNDERGO a cesareanHAVE a cesareanPERFORM a cesareana cesarean IS PERFORMEDDELIVER by cesareanVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cesarean” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The decision was made to perform a caesarean.
- She may need to be delivered by caesarean.
American English
- The doctor recommended a cesarean.
- They had to do an emergency C-section.
adverb
British English
- The baby was born caesarean. (informal/rare)
American English
- She was delivered cesarean. (informal/rare)
adjective
British English
- She had a caesarean delivery.
- The caesarean rate is discussed often.
American English
- Her cesarean scar healed well.
- Cesarean births are very common.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, public health, and sociological research (e.g., 'studying rising cesarean rates').
Everyday
Common in conversations about pregnancy, birth stories, and parenting (e.g., 'She ended up having a cesarean').
Technical
The precise medical term for the surgical procedure, with specific codes and clinical guidelines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cesarean”
- Misspelling: 'ceasarean', 'cesarian', 'cescerian'.
- Incorrect plural: 'cesareans' is acceptable, but 'cesarean sections' is more formal.
- Using 'cesarean' as a verb: 'She was cesareaned' is non-standard; use 'delivered by cesarean'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost certainly not. The historical Caesar's mother lived long after his birth, which was unlikely if this risky surgery had been performed. The name's origin is debated but may come from Latin 'caedere' (to cut) or a Roman law (Lex Caesarea).
An elective (or planned) cesarean is scheduled in advance for medical or non-medical reasons. An emergency cesarean is performed when complications arise during labour, threatening the health of the mother or baby.
Both are correct. 'Caesarean' is standard in British English. 'Cesarean' (without the 'a') is common in American English, especially in medical writing. 'C-section' is universally understood.
Yes, many women can and do have successful VBACs. It depends on the type of uterine incision from the previous cesarean and other individual risk factors, which must be discussed with a healthcare provider.
A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
Cesarean is usually medical, formal, everyday (in discussions of childbirth). in register.
Cesarean: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈzeə.ri.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈzer.i.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Too posh to push (informal, slightly dated idiom for elective cesarean).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CAESAR': Legend says Julius Caesar was born this way, hence 'Caesarean section'. The 'C' in C-section stands for Cesarean.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL INTERVENTION IS A TOOL / BIRTH IS A JOURNEY WITH ALTERNATIVE ROUTES (e.g., 'We had to take the surgical route').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common informal synonym for 'cesarean' in both UK and US English?