erection

noun erec·tion \ i-ˈrek-shən \

Updated on: 16 Mar 2018

Definition of erection

1 a : the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood

b : an occurrence of such a state in the penis or clitoris

2 : the act or process of erecting something : construction

3 : something erected

See erection defined for English-language learners

See erection defined for kids

Examples of erection in a Sentence

the erection of a new apartment building
when it was brand-new, the Eiffel Tower was considered as ugly an erection as Europe had ever seen

Recent Examples of erection from the Web

Even my 6 year old had erections very early and was like: What is this?

— anonymous as told to alexa tsoulis-reay, The Cut, "How I Raised 5 Sons to Respect Women," 7 Mar. 2018
Viagra revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction in 1998 as the first oral pill for improving penis erections.

— jc reindl, Detroit Free Press, "New generic Viagra is here, cutting pharmacy bills for Michigan men in search of erections," 11 Dec. 2017
Whether or not Manning ever has another erection will be determined by a number of complex physiological factors.

— josh dean, Esquire, "This Is the Story of America's First Penis Transplant," 15 Feb. 2017
An erection occurs when blood rushes into the minuscule vessels of the penis.

— josh dean, Esquire, "This Is the Story of America's First Penis Transplant," 15 Feb. 2017
There would be calls for great education drives and the erection of museums and monuments to the victims of Nazism and Fascism.

— douglas murray, National Review, "The Russian Revolution, 100 Years On: Its Enduring Allure and Menace," 30 Oct. 2017
Three of the women say Halperin pressed his erection against their bodies.

— joey morona, cleveland.com, "Political analyst Mark Halperin out at NBC News amid allegations of sexual harassment," 26 Oct. 2017
LaMelo was born practically in concert with the walls’ erection.

— jake fischer, SI.com, "Can Lonzo Ball's Jumper Make It in the NBA?," 19 Oct. 2017
In the room, de Caunes alleges Weinstein went to the bathroom, then emerged naked with an erection and instructed her to lay down on the bed.

— lily herman, Teen Vogue, "Harvey Weinstein's Accusers: The Full List," 16 Oct. 2017

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

First Known Use of erection

15th century

erection Synonyms

Synonyms

construction, structure;

Related Words

arrangement, assembly;

configuration, frame, framework, shell, skeleton;

ERECTION Defined for English Language Learners

erection

noun

Definition of erection for English Language Learners

: the state in which a body part (such as the penis) becomes firm and swollen because of sexual excitement; also : the penis when it is in such a state
: the act or process of building or erecting something

Medical Dictionary

erection

noun erec·tion \ i-ˈrek-shən \

medical Definition of erection

1 : the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood

2 : an occurrence of erection in the penis or clitoris