anal

adjective \ ˈā-nᵊl \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of anal

1 : of, relating to, situated near, or involving the anus

an anal fin

2 psychoanalytic theory

a : of, relating to, characterized by, or being the stage of psychosexual development which follows the oral stage (see ¹oral 3) and during which the child is concerned especially with his or her feces

b : of, relating to, characterized by, or being personality traits (such as parsimony, meticulousness, and ill humor) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive

an anal disposition

—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or precise

I have a mania for neatness in some matters that is almost anal.
—Joseph Heller

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anally

play \-nᵊl-ē\ adverb

See anal defined for English-language learners

See anal defined for kids

Examples of anal in a Sentence

He can be pretty anal about keeping his office neat.

Recent Examples of anal from the Web

Colorectal cancer has not been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause anal cancer, as well as cervical, throat, penile and other types of cancer.

— author: laurie mcginley, Anchorage Daily News, "Colorectal cancer screening should start at age 45, American Cancer Society says," 30 May 2018
Colorectal cancer has not been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause anal cancer, as well as cervical, throat, penile, and other types of cancer.

— laurie mcginley, BostonGlobe.com, "Colorectal cancer screening should start at age 45, not 50, American Cancer Society says," 30 May 2018
According to the men, authorities forced them to undergo anal examinations by hospital staff and security personnel.

— deutsche welle, USA TODAY, "Kenya court outlaws forced anal exams in landmark victory for gay rights," 22 Mar. 2018
Nassar grotesquely engaged in ungloved vaginal and anal penetration under the guise of dispensing medical care.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Michigan State Settles With the Victims of Larry Nassar's Abuse. How Might the NCAA Respond?," 18 May 2018
Expecting to do anal play and see zero poop isn’t particularly realistic.

— gigi engle, Teen Vogue, "Anal Sex: What You Need to Know," 16 May 2018
Available in turquoise or black, the anal toy contains rotating beads that deliver seven different modes of pleasure all bodies and genders can enjoy.

— sophie saint thomas, Allure, "The Best New Sex Toys to Launch in 2018," 16 Mar. 2018
Usually the term applies to vaginal and anal penetration, but not always.

— anna pulley, RedEye Chicago, "Ask Anna: How do I express an unconventional desire?," 8 Jan. 2018
From there, move on to butt plugs and small anal toys.

— gigi engle, Marie Claire, "Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Strap-Ons, Explained," 25 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of anal

see anus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1769

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

anal

abbreviation

Definition of anal

1 analogy

2 analysis; analytic

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

ANAL Defined for English Language Learners

anal

adjective

Definition of anal for English Language Learners

biology : of, relating to, or located near the anus
: extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise

ANAL Defined for Kids

anal

adjective \ ˈā-nᵊl \

Definition of anal for Students

: relating to the anus

Medical Dictionary

anal

adjective \ ˈān-ᵊl \

medical Definition of anal

1 : of, relating to, or situated near the anus

the anal opening

anal fissures

2 a : of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory that follows the oral stage and during which a child derives libidinal gratification from the expulsion and retention of the feces and conflict arises from parental demands regarding toilet training

During the anal stage, from about 18 months to 3 years, the sphincter muscles become sensitive and controllable and bowel and bladder retention and elimination become a source of gratification.
—David G. Myers, Psychology, 2001

b : of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits (as orderliness, frugality, and obstinacy) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive —often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or precise — compare genital 3, oral 3, phallic 2

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