phallic

American  

[fal-ik] / ˈfæl ɪk /

Sometimes phallical

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a phallus.

2. of or relating to phallicism.

3. genital.

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phallic British  

/ ˈfælɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a phallus

   a phallic symbol

2. psychoanal

   1. relating to a stage of psychosexual development during which a male child's interest is concentrated on the genital organs

   2. designating personality traits, such as conceit and self-assurance, due to fixation at the phallic stage of development Compare anal oral genital

   3. (in Freudian theory) denoting a phase of early childhood in which there is a belief that both sexes possess a phallus

3. of or relating to phallicism

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Other Word Forms

• pseudophallic adjective

Etymology

Origin of phallic

From the Greek word phallikós, dating back to 1780–90. See phallus, -ic

Explanation

Phallic means resembling or related to a penis: people often talk about phallic shapes, like the Washington Monument. When you see phallic, think penis. Calling something phallic means it's penis-like in some way. In some cases, that means it has creative power, like how a penis, through sex, creates new life. In other cases, people just mean it looks like the shape of a penis. Many people have looked at phallic shapes in the world — such as missiles and many sculptures — and wondered what exactly the creators were thinking about.

Example Sentences

Students at a London university say a proposed "phallic" sculpture by Sir Antony Gormley could "hurt the image and reputation" of the institution.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2022

She watches “Peppa Pig,” which I, of course, hate — those British pigs with their phallic noses prattling on about nothing.

From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2022

The mayor of a town in Malta has called for a "phallic" sculpture displayed close to the main airport to be removed ahead of the Pope's visit this weekend.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2010

Upon another coin struck by Augustus we see a crescent with a star or radiate sun within its horns, the ancient phallic symbol adopted by the followers of the prophet Muhammad centuries later.

From The Non-Christian Cross An Enquiry into the Origin and History of the Symbol Eventually Adopted as That of Our Religion by Parsons, John Denham

There is no evidence to show that the animals connected with phallic gods were selected on account of their salacious dispositions or their sexual power.

From Introduction to the History of Religions Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV by Jastrow, Morris