sexual intercourse

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl in-ter-kawrs] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl ˈɪn tərˌkɔrs /

noun

1. genital contact, especially the insertion of the penis into the vagina followed by orgasm; coitus; copulation.

2. a sex act that involves penetration of one person’s vagina, anus, or mouth by another person for the sexual gratification of one or both parties.

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sexual intercourse British  

noun

1. the act carried out for procreation or for pleasure in which, typically, the insertion of the male's erect penis into the female's vagina is followed by rhythmic thrusting usually culminating in orgasm; copulation; coitus

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Etymology

Origin of sexual intercourse

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

This was the year Japan passed landmark laws to redefine rape from "forcible sexual intercourse" to "non-consensual sexual intercourse" and raised the age of consent from 13 to 16.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2025

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

In August, the police charged Bruce Lehrmann, then 26, with one count of sexual intercourse without consent in the Higgins case.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2022

And finally, that these microscopic organic bodies are multiplied and enlarged by solitary reproduction without sexual intercourse till they acquire greater perfection or new properties.

From The Temple of Nature; or, the Origin of Society A Poem, with Philosophical Notes by Darwin, Erasmus

Related Words

• cohabitation