infibulation
noun
in·fib·u·la·tion
(ˌ)in-ˌfi-byə-ˈlā-shən 
: extreme female genital mutilation involving complete excision of the clitoris, labia minora, and most of the labia majora followed by stitching to close up most of the vagina
Examples of infibulation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like many in Sudan, Ms. Ali was subjected to an extreme form of FGM known as infibulation, which involves the cutting and repositioning of the labia, sometimes through stitching, to narrow the vaginal opening.
—
Samy Magdy and Mariam Fam, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 July 2020
Data also suggest Somalia families have switched from infibulation to less severe forms of the ritual.
—Fox News, 20 May 2020
The cutting ranges from a clitoridectomy, partial to total removal of the clitoris, to infibulation, removal of all the external genitalia.
—Kristina Arriaga, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2017
Since 2014 though,the most severe form of infibulation has been illegal in the Puntland region - thanks to a Presidential decree.
—Hawa Aden Mohamed For Cnn, CNN, 5 July 2017
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Samy Magdy and Mariam Fam, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 July 2020
Data also suggest Somalia families have switched from infibulation to less severe forms of the ritual.
—Fox News, 20 May 2020
The cutting ranges from a clitoridectomy, partial to total removal of the clitoris, to infibulation, removal of all the external genitalia.
—Kristina Arriaga, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2017
Since 2014 though,the most severe form of infibulation has been illegal in the Puntland region - thanks to a Presidential decree.
—Hawa Aden Mohamed For Cnn, CNN, 5 July 2017
Cite this Entry
“Infibulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infibulation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
infibulation
noun
in·fib·u·la·tion
(ˌ)in-ˌfib-yə-ˈlā-shən
: an act or practice of fastening by ring, clasp, or stitches the labia majora in girls and the foreskin in boys in order to prevent sexual intercourse
especially
: extreme female genital mutilation involving complete excision of the clitoris, labia minora, and most of the labia majora followed by stitching to close up most of the vagina
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