scalpel

noun

scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
also
skal-ˈpel How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Examples of scalpel 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.
Trump tells Musk to swap chainsaw for scalpel Trump met Thursday with Musk and members of the Cabinet to discuss spending cuts. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025 Trump recently announced an apparent curb to Musk’s authority, saying agency heads would oversee any workforce reductions, using a metaphorical scalpel, instead of a hatchet. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 9 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article Two boys on a Manhattan subway platform were beaten and slashed with a scalpel by a group of muggers who stole the Nike Air Jordan sneakers off both victims’ feet, police said Tuesday. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025 While driving enthusiasts typically don’t seek the slightly heavier Cabriolet models, the additional mass is a moot point with the 911 T Cabriolet—mirroring its 911 siblings, the drop-top is a scalpel in the corners. Michael Harley, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scalpel

Word History

Etymology

Latin scalpellus, scalpellum, diminutive of scalper, scalprum chisel, knife, from scalpere to scratch, carve

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scalpel was in 1742

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scalpel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalpel. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

scalpel

noun
scal·​pel ˈskal-pəl How to pronounce scalpel (audio)
 also  skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

Medical Definition

scalpel

noun
scal·​pel
ˈskal-pəl also skal-ˈpel
: a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on scalpel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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