clitoris

play

noun cli·to·ris \ ˈkli-tə-rəs , kli-ˈtȯr-əs \

Definition of clitoris

plural clitorises also clitorides play \kli-ˈtȯr-ə-ˌdēz\

:a small erectile female organ located within the anterior junction of the labia minora that develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the penis and is responsive to sexual stimulation

—

clitoral

play \ˈkli-tə-rəl\ or less commonly clitoric play \kli-ˈtȯr-ik, -ˈtär-\ adjective

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Recent Examples of clitoris from the Web

OK! But also about fellatio, sodomy, the clitoris with or without G-spot etc.

— madeleine aggeler, The Cut, "French Doctors Reportedly Suggested Faulty Pelvic-Mesh-Implant Victims Try Anal Sex," 28 Aug. 2017
In fact, nipple stimulation actually derives pleasure from the same parts of your brain as your clitoris!

— emily morse, Glamour, "6 Mind-Blowing Toys for Nipple Play," 13 Aug. 2017
Like your vulva, clitoris, labia, vagina, breasts, or anus. 2.

— hannah orenstein, Seventeen, "15 Things Every Girl Needs to Know About Masturbation," 3 Aug. 2017
Girls with this condition sometimes undergo reconstructive surgery, often to reduce the size of the clitoris.

— Washington Post, "Pressure mounts to curtail surgery on intersex children," 25 July 2017
Girls with this condition sometimes undergo reconstructive surgery, often to reduce the size of the clitoris.

— Washington Post, "Pressure mounts to curtail surgery on intersex children," 25 July 2017
Girls with this condition sometimes undergo reconstructive surgery, often to reduce the size of the clitoris.

— david crary, The Seattle Times, "Pressure mounts to curtail surgery on intersex children," 24 July 2017
Almost two thirds of us undergo infibulation - the most extreme form, which leaves girls with their labia stitched together following excision of the clitoris.

— hawa aden mohamed, CNN, "Breaking the Silence in the World Capital of Female Genital Mutilation," 5 July 2017
This amazing little device works on both the internal and external clitoris, so all 8,000 of your clitoral nerve endings get some love.

— emily morse, Glamour, "Ask Emily: Which Sex Toys Are Best for Getting It On With My Girlfriend?," 1 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of clitoris

New Latin, from Greek kleitoris

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1615

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

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

CLITORIS Defined for English Language Learners

clitoris

play

noun

Definition of clitoris for English Language Learners

: a female sexual organ that is small, sensitive, and located on the outside of the body in front of the opening of the vagina

Medical Dictionary

clitoris

play

noun cli·to·ris \ ˈklit-ə-rəs , kli-ˈtȯr-əs \

medical Definition of clitoris

plural clitorises also clitorides play \kli-ˈtȯr-ə-ˌdēz\

:a small erectile female organ located within the anterior junction of the labia minora that develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the penis and is responsive to sexual stimulation

—

clitoral

play \ˈklit-ə-rəl\ also clitoric play \kli-ˈtȯr-ik, -ˈtär-\ adjective

Illustration of clitoris

Learn More about clitoris

See words that rhyme with clitoris Spanish Central: Translation of clitoris Nglish: Translation of clitoris for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of clitoris for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clitoris

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clitoris

Definition of clitoris

clitoral

Recent Examples of clitoris from the Web

Origin and Etymology of clitoris

Other Anatomy Terms

CLITORIS Defined for English Language Learners

clitoris

Definition of clitoris for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

clitoris

medical Definition of clitoris

clitoral

Illustration of clitoris

Learn More about clitoris

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clitoris

Definition of clitoris

clitoral

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Recent Examples of clitoris from the Web

Origin and Etymology of clitoris

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CLITORIS Defined for English Language Learners

clitoris

Definition of clitoris for English Language Learners

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clitoris

medical Definition of clitoris

clitoral

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