English UsageComparison guide

Cesarean vs. Caesarean

“Cesarean” and “Caesarean” name the same operation and related adjective. Cambridge marks “Cesarean” as the usual US spelling and “Caesarean” as the usual UK spelling, with additional capitalization and “-ian” variants also recorded.

Quick answer

Use “Cesarean” in US-oriented writing and “Caesarean” in UK-oriented writing unless your publication or medical organization specifies another house style.

Key details

Core differenceregional spelling preference rather than a difference in meaning
Regional Scope“Cesarean” is usual in US English; “Caesarean” is usual in UK English.
TermsCesarean, Caesarean

Further guidance

Uk Style

Use “Caesarean” for UK-oriented prose when no local house style overrides it.

Us Style

Use “Cesarean” for US-oriented prose when no local house style overrides it.

Variation Boundary

Capitalization and the variant spellings “Cesarian/Caesarian” also occur; follow the governing medical or editorial style where consistency matters.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Cesarean — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary treatment identifying “Cesarean” as the usual US spelling and “Caesarean” as the usual UK spelling

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