masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən 
: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital (see genital sense 2) organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual (see manual entry 1 sense 1) or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation (see manipulate sense 1), occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies
Examples of masturbation in a Sentence
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Any one of the disclosures about Platner, which include making jokes about masturbation, making antisemitic remarks, disparaging the military and blaming women for rape, would have spelled the end for another candidate.
—
Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026
The absurd part is that corruption and depravity are not crimes, and neither are adultery and masturbation.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Keep in mind, though, that masturbation is an option as mentioned earlier.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Growing up means losing some of the magic of childhood, and even a show about interspecies lovemaking can’t retain the transgressive charge of 12-year-olds learning firsthand about masturbation and periods.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for masturbation
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Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026
The absurd part is that corruption and depravity are not crimes, and neither are adultery and masturbation.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Keep in mind, though, that masturbation is an option as mentioned earlier.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Growing up means losing some of the magic of childhood, and even a show about interspecies lovemaking can’t retain the transgressive charge of 12-year-olds learning firsthand about masturbation and periods.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for masturbation
Cite this Entry
“Masturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbation. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən
: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand
masturbate
verb
ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt
Medical Definition
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən
: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
