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promiscuous

[ pruh-mis-kyoo-uhs ]
/ prəˈmɪs kyu əs /
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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; not selective.

OTHER WORDS FOR promiscuous

2 mixed, confused, jumbled; motley.
3 random, nonselective, undiscriminating, unmethodical, unselective, unsystematic.
4 thoughtless, unthinking, unconsidered.
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Origin of promiscuous

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin prōmiscuus “mixed up,” equivalent to prō-pro-1 + misc(ēre) “to mix” + -uus adjective suffix; see mix, -ous

synonym study for promiscuous

2. See miscellaneous.

OTHER WORDS FROM promiscuous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use promiscuous in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for promiscuous

promiscuous
/ (prəˈmɪskjʊəs) /

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 forms of promiscuous

promiscuously, 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
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