erection

noun

erec·tion | \ i-ˈrek-shən

Definition of erection

1a : 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

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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 on the Web

At that age for men, the most embarrassing thing is unwanted erections, right? — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Amy Schumer Gets Extremely Real About Periods in Her New Netflix Special," 20 Mar. 2019 This surrounds components like the urethra and swells in order to allow erections. 2. — Zahra Barnes, SELF, "11 Things Everyone Should Know About Uncircumcised Penises," 29 Dec. 2018 While being abused, women can get wet, men can get erections, and many people even orgasm. — Vanessa Marin, Allure, "Ask a Sex Therapist: Why Is My Vagina Always So Dry During Sex?," 11 Oct. 2018 Men who are disgusted or terrified can still have erections or orgasms. — Joanna Schroeder, Vox, "The alleged encounter between Asia Argento and Jimmy Bennett is an example.," 23 Aug. 2018 Viagra works to improve blood flow to the genital area, which can help men get and keep erections. — Amanda Macmillan, Health.com, "The Controversial 'Female Viagra' Drug Is Back–Here's What You Need to Know," 14 June 2018 Serious side effects of Ritalin include heart or mental problems, slowing of growth in children, seizures (mainly in patients with a history of them), eyesight changes or painful and prolonged erections, according to the drug's medication guide. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN, "NRA's incoming president ties Ritalin to school shootings, but here's what the science says," 21 May 2018 First, nine massive chunks of quarried black marble were trucked in from northern Mexico and craned into a circular formation, echoing Stone and Bronze Age erections in the British Isles. — Michael Agresta, WIRED, "Marfa, Texas Is Getting Its Own Solar-Powered Stonehenge," 16 May 2018 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

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.

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Last Updated

29 Mar 2019

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The first known use of erection was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for erection

erection

noun

English Language Learners Definition of erection

: 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

See the full definition for erection in the English Language Learners 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