erotica

noun

erot·​i·​ca i-ˈrä-ti-kə How to pronounce erotica (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: literary or artistic works having an erotic theme or quality
2
: depictions of things erotic

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek erōtika, neuter plural of erōtikos

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of erotica was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Erotica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erotica. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

erotica

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
erot·​i·​ca i-ˈrät-i-kə How to pronounce erotica (audio)
: literary or artistic works having an erotic theme or quality

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