promiscuous

[pruh-mis-kyoo-uhs]

adjective

characterized by or involving indiscriminate mingling or association, especially having sexual relations with a number of partners on a casual basis.

consisting of parts, elements, or individuals of different kinds brought together without order.

indiscriminate; without discrimination.

casual; irregular; haphazard.

Origin of promiscuous

1595–1605; < Latin prōmiscuus mixed up, equivalent to prō- pro-¹ + misc(ēre) to mix + -uus deverbal adj. suffix; see -ous

SYNONYMS FOR promiscuous

1. unchaste. 2. hodgepodge, confused, mixed, jumbled. See miscellaneous. 3. careless.

ANTONYMS FOR promiscuous

1, 2. pure. 3. selective.

Related forms

pro·mis·cu·ous·ly, adverbpro·mis·cu·ous·ness, nounhy·per·pro·mis·cu·ous, adjectivehy·per·pro·mis·cu·ous·ly, adverb

hy·per·pro·mis·cu·ous·ness, nounnon·pro·mis·cu·ous, adjectivenon·pro·mis·cu·ous·ly, adverbnon·pro·mis·cu·ous·ness, nounun·pro·mis·cu·ous, adjectiveun·pro·mis·cu·ous·ly, adverbun·pro·mis·cu·ous·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for promiscuously

That year, among the many Double Golds promiscuously handed out to various bourbons, one went to Old Grand Dad.
The Cult of Pappy van Winkle|Eric Felten|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mrs. Hetherington called—as she pays no attention to days, but runs in promiscuously—and I sent word, "Not at home."
Juggernaut|George Cary Eggleston
They are promiscuously made in this way, without any other guide than the eye, having no regard to their being in pairs.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
Lodges of bark were promiscuously interspersed over this green, and here and there a cluster of trees, or a solitary tall pine.
The Myth of Hiawatha, and Other Oral Legends, Mythologic and Allegoric, of the North American Indians|Henry R. Schoolcraft

They sit down as they list, promiscuously, like a crowd, and all armed.
Tacitus on Germany|Tacitus
In cold weather they nestle together with their feet towards the fire, promiscuously.
The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 3 of 4|American Anti-Slavery Society

British Dictionary definitions for promiscuously

promiscuous

adjective

indulging in casual and indiscriminate sexual relationships

consisting of a number of dissimilar parts or elements mingled in a confused or indiscriminate manner

indiscriminate in selection

casual or heedless

Derived Formspromiscuously, adverbpromiscuousness, noun

Word Origin for promiscuous

C17: from Latin prōmiscuus indiscriminate, from pro- 1 + miscēre to mix

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for promiscuously

promiscuous

adj.

c.1600, people or things, "mingled confusedly, grouped together without order, consisting of a disorderly mix; indiscriminate," from Latin promiscuus "mixed, indiscriminate, in common, without distinction," from pro- "forward" (see pro-) + miscere "to mix" (see mix (v.)). Meaning "indiscriminate in sexual relations" recorded by 1857, from promiscuity. The Latin adjective was used with conubia (e.g. between patricians and plebeians). Related: Promiscuously.

promiscuous

adjective

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Origin of promiscuous

Examples from the Web for promiscuously

promiscuous

adjective

Word Origin for promiscuous

promiscuous