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 oral entry 1 sense 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 preciseI have a mania for neatness in some matters that is almost anal.—
Joseph Heller
Joseph HellerExamples of anal in a Sentence
Adjective
He can be pretty anal about keeping his office neat.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 July 2025
Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and was later declared cancer-free on her 60th birthday on Feb. 2, 2007, per her foundation.
—Alyssa Davis, People.com, 25 June 2025
Mucosal irritation: Preservatives commonly used in personal lubricants, called parabens, can cause vaginal and anal irritation in people with sensitive skin.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
There are also two internal attachments: one for vaginal use and the other for anal use.
—Amanda Chatel, Wired News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
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Adjective
Use fingers, try a small plug or anal beads and communicate while doing it by indicating what feels good and what doesn’t.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 July 2025
Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and was later declared cancer-free on her 60th birthday on Feb. 2, 2007, per her foundation.
—Alyssa Davis, People.com, 25 June 2025
Mucosal irritation: Preservatives commonly used in personal lubricants, called parabens, can cause vaginal and anal irritation in people with sensitive skin.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
There are also two internal attachments: one for vaginal use and the other for anal use.
—Amanda Chatel, Wired News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
Cite this Entry
“Anal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anal. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
anal
1 of 2 adjective1
: 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
David G. Myers, Psychology
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 sense 3, oral sense 3, phallic sense 2
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