frottage

noun

frot·​tage frȯ-ˈtäzh How to pronounce frottage (audio)
1
: the technique of creating a design by rubbing (as with a pencil) over an object placed underneath the paper
also : a composition so made
2
: the act of obtaining sexual stimulation by rubbing against a person or object

Examples of frottage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Arnal uses a variety of techniques, such as crumpling (froissage), folding (pliage), tying up (ficelage), stenciling (pochoirs), rubbing (frottage), tearing up (arrachements), and collage, challenging our perception of painting. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023 The adolescent romance is, to be sure, very French—the two are young enough to play children’s games in the Champs-Élysées each afternoon, yet old enough to engage in a memorable moment of frottage. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 3 May 2021 The results are eerie and surprisingly crisp, like frottage. Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2020

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

Word History

Etymology

French, from frotter to rub

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frottage was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near frottage

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

frottage

noun
frot·​tage frȯ-ˈtäzh How to pronounce frottage (audio)

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