orgasm

American  

[awr-gaz-uhm] / ˈɔr gæz əm /

noun

1. the physical and emotional sensation experienced at the peak of sexual excitation, usually resulting from stimulation of the sexual organ and usually accompanied in the male by ejaculation.

2. an instance of experiencing this.

3. intense or unrestrained excitement.

4. an instance or occurrence of such excitement.

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verb (used without object)

1. to have an orgasm.

orgasm British  

/ ˈɔːɡæzəm /

noun

1. the most intense point during sexual excitement, characterized by extremely pleasurable sensations and in the male accompanied by ejaculation of semen

2. rare intense or violent excitement

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orgasm Scientific  

/ ôr′găz′əm /

1. The peak of sexual excitement, characterized by strong feelings of pleasure and bv a series of involuntary contractions of the muscles of the genitals, usually accompanied by the ejaculation of semen by the male.

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Other Word Forms

• orgasmic adjective
• orgastic adjective
• superorgasm noun

Etymology

Origin of orgasm

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin orgasmus, Greek orgasmós, derivative of orgân “to swell, be excited”

Explanation

An orgasm is a moment of intense pleasure that is the culmination of sex. People really enjoy orgasms. A man or a woman gets an orgasm during sex, and it doesn't really matter what kind of sex. Even solo sex — masturbation — produces orgasms. People like orgasms so much that when they enjoy something else — like good music — they sometimes say they had an eargasm. A great movie could bring a fangasm. A vulgar, slang way of saying someone is orgasming is to say they're coming or cumming.

Example Sentences

After saying he never hears queer women complaining about their inability to achieve orgasm, Joel Kim Booster abruptly silences a round of applause with a glare and a raise of a hand.

From New York Times • Jul. 15, 2022

I think it’s wonderful that we’ve got so many men in hetersexual relationships who value female orgasm, and giving pleasure.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2021

Much scientific research on orgasm and anorgasmia draws subtly but heavily on cultural ideas which go back to Freud rather than on modern sciences.

From The Guardian • Apr. 20, 2017

Another big myth has been exposed at Dr Cindy Meston's orgasm lab at the University of Texas at Austin.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2016

The philosopher may well abhor all intercourse with wits! because the faculty of judgment is usually quiescent with them; and in their orgasm they furiously decry what in their sober senses they as eagerly laud!

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Disraeli, Isaac