nymphomaniac

[nim-fuh-mey-nee-ak, nim-foh‑]

noun

1. a woman who has abnormally excessive and uncontrollable sexual desire.

adjective

1. (of a woman) having abnormally excessive sexual desire.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nymphomaniac¹

First recorded in 1825–30; nymphomani(a) ( def. ) + -ac ( def. )

Related Words

• prostitute 

When To Use

What does nymphomaniac mean?

A nymphomaniac is a woman, though occasionally a man, with an uncontrollable desire to have lots of sex, especially with different partners. It can be both a positive or pejorative term, depending on context.Content warning: the following content includes references to sexual activity.