tracheotomy

noun

tra·​che·​ot·​o·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈä-tə-mē How to pronounce tracheotomy (audio)
plural tracheotomies
: the surgical operation of cutting into the trachea especially through the skin

Examples of tracheotomy 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.
The actor had battled the disease publicly for much of the past decade, permanently losing his voice to a tracheotomy, but continuing to act and write. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 He was intubated for more than seven weeks and had a tracheotomy. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025 Kilmer battled throat cancer in the 2010s that required a tracheotomy which still greatly impacts his speaking voice. Barbara Vandenburgh, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 Following the harrowing experience, which landed him in the hospital, Kilmer learned that the lump in his throat was cancer, later undergoing a tracheotomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Bailey Richards, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tracheotomy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1726, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tracheotomy was circa 1726

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tracheotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracheotomy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

tracheotomy

noun
tra·​che·​ot·​o·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈät-ə-mē How to pronounce tracheotomy (audio)
plural tracheotomies
1
: the surgical operation of cutting into the trachea especially through the skin
2
: the opening created by a tracheotomy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!