orgasm

1 of 2

noun

or·​gasm ˈȯr-ˌga-zəm 

plural orgasms

: intense or paroxysmal excitement

especially : the rapid pleasurable release of neuromuscular tensions at the height of sexual arousal that is usually accompanied by the ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female

orgasm

2 of 2

verb

orgasmed; orgasming; orgasms

intransitive verb

: to experience orgasm

Examples of orgasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And her reaction to Meg Ryan’s iconic fake orgasm scene? —Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

This process involves four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Verb

Her tips for how to orgasm better? Spend more time on foreplay. —Lexi Petronis, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2024

According to research, the number of people with vaginas who orgasm during vaginal intercourse is low—only 6% of the participants in one study reached orgasm with only vaginal stimulation. —Kristine Thomason, Health, 27 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin orgasmus, from Greek orgasmos, from organ to grow ripe, be lustful; probably akin to Sanskrit ūrjā sap, strength

Verb

derivative of orgasm entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

orgasm

noun

or·​gasm

ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm

: the climax of sexual excitement

Medical Definition

orgasm

1 of 2 noun

or·​gasm ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm 

: the climax of sexual excitement that is usually accompanied by ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female

orgasmic

ȯr-ˈgaz-mik 

adjective

also orgastic

-ˈgas-tik 

orgasm

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to experience an orgasm

able to orgasm during intercourse

—Shere Hite