masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən 

: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital (see genital sense 2) organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual (see manual entry 1 sense 1) or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation (see manipulate sense 1), occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies

Examples of masturbation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of his teaching, the court heard that Westwood talked to one teenager, who was raped, about a masturbation scene from Bridgerton. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024

Regarding sexuality, Mangione called for banning masturbation devices, specifically mentioning products sold at Don Quijote, a popular discount store chain known for its adult toy sections. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Movie masturbation scenes also highlight our culture’s hypocritical double standard. —Caroline Madden, Vulture, 8 July 2024

Call Me by Your Name intersects both of these concepts in an instantly iconic masturbation scene. —Caroline Madden, Vulture, 8 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən 

: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand

masturbate

ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt

verb

Medical Definition

masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən 

: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies