erection

noun

erec·​tion i-ˈrek-shən 

1

a

: the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood

b

: an occurrence of such a state in the penis or clitoris

2

: the act or process of erecting something : construction

3

: something erected

Synonyms

• construction
• structure

Examples of erection in a Sentence

the erection of a new apartment building

when it was brand-new, the Eiffel Tower was considered as ugly an erection as Europe had ever seen

Recent Examples on the Web

With the ability to strengthen erections, heighten pleasure, and even add some vibration to the mix, these things work wonders both solo and as toys for couples. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025

Bryan Johnson, the American tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, known for his attempts to extend his life and try to live forever, has raised eyebrows online after sharing data about his son's erections. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

These early folk vampires, when they were disinterred, sometimes had erections. —Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

The motivation to try the latter is most common among men seeking longer-lasting erections, but women may also want to delay their climaxes too, as many experience hyper-sensitivity that makes stimulation uncomfortable to continue post-orgasm. —Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

erection

noun

erec·​tion i-ˈrek-shən 

1

: the process of erecting : the state of being erected

2

a

: the state marked by firm swollen form and erect position of a previously limp or flabby bodily part whose tissue becomes dilated with blood

b

: an occurrence of such a state (as in the penis)

3

: something erected

Medical Definition

erection

noun

erec·​tion i-ˈrek-shən 

1

: the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood

2

: an occurrence of erection in the penis or clitoris