intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
1
: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person
anal intercourse
oral intercourse
especially : sexual intercourse sense 1
heterosexual intercourse
2
: exchange especially of thoughts or feelings : communion
3
: connection or dealings between persons or groups

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is also no risk of the IUD being pushed out or dislodged during intercourse. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024 Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and infertility—though one in three people with the condition report having no symptoms.1 Unlike endometriosis, where the tissue grows outside the uterus, adenomyosis occurs within the uterine wall. Jess Sims, Health, 26 Sep. 2024 Dear Eric: Without being graphic, there are so many ways to share intimacy without intercourse. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 12 Oct. 2024 In some cases, Greves adds, vaginal estrogen works best, especially among those experiencing painful intercourse. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intercourse 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intercurse, probably from Middle French entrecours, from Medieval Latin intercursus, from Latin, act of running between, from intercurrere to run between, from inter- + currere to run — more at car

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intercourse was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intercourse

Cite this Entry

“Intercourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intercourse. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intercourse

noun
in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
-ˌkȯ(ə)rs
1
: dealings between persons or groups : relations
2
: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one individual
especially : sexual intercourse

Medical Definition

intercourse

noun
1
: connection or dealings between persons or groups
2
: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person
anal intercourse
oral intercourse
especially : sexual intercourse sense 1
heterosexual intercourse

More from Merriam-Webster on intercourse

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