surgery

word

/ˈsɝdʒɝi/
SUR-juh-ree
/sˈɜːdʒəɹi/
SUR-juh-ree

Definition

Surgery is medical treatment in which a doctor cuts into the body to repair, remove, or examine something inside. It can also mean the medical field that performs these operations.

Usage & Nuances

Often used with verbs like 'have', 'need', 'undergo', and 'perform': 'have surgery', 'need surgery'. In everyday English, people often say 'operation' for a specific procedure. 'Surgery' is usually uncountable when speaking generally, but countable in some contexts such as 'cosmetic surgeries'.

Example Sentences

She had surgery on her knee last year.

basic

The doctor said I need surgery soon.

basic

After the surgery, he stayed in the hospital for two days.

basic

I was nervous before surgery, but the medical team was great.

natural

He’s recovering well from surgery and should be home next week.

natural

If the pain doesn’t improve, surgery might be the next step.

natural