intercourse

American  

[in-ter-kawrs] / ˈɪn tərˌkɔrs /

noun

1. sexual intercourse, especially coitus.

2. dealings or communication between individuals, groups, countries, etc.

   Synonyms:

   traffic, trade, commerce, sexual relations, sex act, sex, relations, copulation

3. interchange of thoughts, feelings, etc.

---

intercourse British  

/ ˈɪntəˌkɔːs /

noun

1. communication or exchange between individuals; mutual dealings

2. See sexual intercourse

---

Other Word Forms

• preintercourse noun

Etymology

Origin of intercourse

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English intercurse, from Medieval Latin intercursus “communication, trading,” Latin “a running between, interposition”; inter-, course

Example Sentences

We don’t think about it in those terms, of course, but that was the obvious point for early humans with little knowledge of gestation and a weak understanding of the role of intercourse in procreation.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2024

Procedures that appear scary and unnatural to many can feel novel and exciting to science-obsessed computer nerds: IVF can seem “safer” than conceiving via intercourse because it’s monitored by scientists.

From Slate • May 7, 2024

From dawn to dusk, observant Muslims the world over will refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

The WHO defines infertility as a disease of the male or female reproductive system that is defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

From Reuters • Apr. 4, 2023

Arthur said: "After all, Galahad is only a child! He has growing pains, perhaps. I don’t think we ought to judge him unkindly for little faults of social intercourse."

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

• copulation
• intimacy