What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spay
Example
The veterinarian will spay my cat next week. [spay: verb]
Example
Spaying is a common practice to control the pet population. [spaying: gerund or present participle]
sterilize
Example
The hospital staff will sterilize the surgical equipment before the operation. [sterilize: verb]
Example
Sterilization is a common method of birth control for both male and female animals. [sterilization: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spay is more commonly used than sterilize when referring to the surgical removal of an animal's reproductive organs. However, sterilize is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as sterilizing surgical equipment or eliminating bacteria.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spay and sterilize?
Spay and sterilize are both formal terms used in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. However, sterilize can also be used in a broader context, such as sterilizing medical equipment or food products, making it more versatile and less formal than spay.
