exhibitionism

noun

ex·​hi·​bi·​tion·​ism ˌek-sə-ˈbi-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce exhibitionism (audio)
1
a
: a perversion in which sexual gratification is obtained from the indecent exposure of one's genitals (as to a stranger)
b
: an act of such exposure
2
: the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself
exhibitionist noun or adjective
exhibitionistic adjective
exhibitionistically adverb

Examples of exhibitionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the early self-interviews and writings, Mr. Samaras returned frequently to the question of how his reflexive isolation and solipsism could function alongside his equally instinctual exhibitionism and visual extroversion. Randy Kennedy, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Raising the issue now, after the fact and with a woefully inadequate factual basis, is political exhibitionism, not legal argument. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 30 Jan. 2024 The modern technology, with its direct link to social media, amplified certain elements of bravado and exhibitionism that were already part of the performance. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 There’s something for everyone, from high-octane lifestyle soaps (The Real Housewives franchise) and experiential delicacies (Married at First Sight) to the culinary dark arts (Nailed It) and softcore exhibitionism (Physical 100). WIRED, 29 Oct. 2023 As Su’s landlady observes, Chow and Su don’t hide their gossip-inducing interactions perfectly; there is a hint of exhibitionism in their performance. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 1 Sep. 2023 Such is the price of exhibitionism. Andy Crump, Men's Health, 21 Apr. 2023 Any whiff of vanity, of self-satisfaction, of unchecked exhibitionism, was distasteful to her. Katie Roiphe, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2023 Yet Park’s gruesome exhibitionism is indifferent to romantic pathos. Armond White, National Review, 28 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exhibitionism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhibitionism was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near exhibitionism

Cite this Entry

“Exhibitionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhibitionism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

exhibitionism

noun
ex·​hi·​bi·​tion·​ism ˌek-sə-ˈbish-ə-niz-əm How to pronounce exhibitionism (audio)
1
a
: a perversion marked by a tendency to indecent exposure
b
: an act of such exposure
2
: the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself

More from Merriam-Webster on exhibitionism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!