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genitals
plural noun
gen·i·tals
ˈje-nə-tᵊlz
: the sexual or reproductive organs located on the outside of the body : genitalia
Frontal male nudity, however, doesn't sit too well with the Motion Picture Association of America. Excessive shots of male genitals almost always ensure an NC-17 rating …—Ryan Murphy
Symptoms of infection include discharges from the penis or vagina and burning and itching of the genitals.—C. Brownlee
Examples of genitals in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is caused by the bacteria Niesseria gonorrhoeae, which can infect the mucous membranes in the genitals, rectum, throat and eyes.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Jan. 2023
Around that time, several right-wing social media influencers accused Boston Children’s Hospital of performing surgeries on the genitals of gender nonconforming patients under 18, The Washington Post reported.
—Dallas News, 5 Dec. 2022
Officials found a video depicting the genitals of a young boy, who appears to be a 5 to 7-year-old of Asian descent, according to the statement.
—Sofia Saric, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Oct. 2022
Research from the University of Texas proves that 20 minutes of walking or running on a treadmill increases heart rate and blood flow in all organs, including the genitals.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 30 Sep. 2022
The virus can also cause a rash of blisters around the genitals, hands and mouth, according to the CDC.
—al, 14 Aug. 2022
But Ohio’s General Assembly otherwise proceeded at a breakneck pace this past spring—debating a bill enabling the inspection of the genitals of transgender student athletes, and passing a raft of legislation about guns.
—Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2022
The massacre at Olenivka coincides horribly with the release of an atrocious video on Telegram depicting a Russian soldier mutilating the genitals of a Ukrainian POW while two other soldiers watch.
—Sebastien Roblin, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022
The woman reportedly told police Hurry had restrained her and whipped her genitals at one point, according to KPHO.
—Erin Pflaumer, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genitals.' 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
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of genitals was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near genitals
Cite this Entry
“Genitals.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genitals. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
genitals
plural noun
gen·i·tals
ˈjen-ə-tᵊlz
Medical Definition
genitals
noun plural
gen·i·tals
ˈjen-ə-tᵊlz
More from Merriam-Webster on genitals
Nglish: Translation of genitals for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of genitals for Arabic Speakers
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