eroticism

erot·i·cism | \ i-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm

How to pronounce eroticism (audio)

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Definition of eroticism

1 : an erotic theme or quality

2 : a state of sexual arousal

3 : insistent sexual impulse or desire

Other Words from eroticism Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about eroticism

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Examples of eroticism in a Sentence

the subtle eroticism of his films an actress known for her smoldering eroticism

Recent Examples on the Web These are startling moments, because flamenco, for all its eroticism, does not abide touching. — Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, "Noche Flamenca Gets Deeper with Age," 30 Dec. 2019 Lopez has a knack for the steamier side of things, the eroticism explodes off the page. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "Hot Stuff: Five new romance novels are all about second chances," 3 Nov. 2019 Along the way, as alcohol comes and goes, Lucy Darling keeps up an impressive improvised narrative that constantly dangles on the edge of eroticism without ever tippling into the crude. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, "Here’s a new twist on magic: ‘Lucy Darling’ does tricks with cocktails at Chicago Magic Lounge," 31 Oct. 2019 Just as societies need carnivalesque holidays like Mardi Gras to remain healthy, so music requires regular infusions of Dionysian eroticism and violence. — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, "A celebration of the outsiders and outcasts who have made music great," 16 Oct. 2019 According to Art Story, he was known for his flamboyant personality, and his work often conveyed themes of eroticism, death and decay. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Thief Walks Out of Art Gallery with $20,000 Salvador Dalí Etching When No One Was Looking," 16 Oct. 2019 Two others got down on all fours and tucked their heads deep into one another’s shoulders, in a scrum of male eroticism. — Lori Waxman, chicagotribune.com, "Live art in Chicago today — Art Institute, MCA Chicago and Cultural Center raising their game," 16 June 2019 The beauty shots capture all the austerity and eroticism of haute couture. — Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, "A Photographer’s Elaborate Transformations in His Childhood Bedroom," 18 July 2019 If overt eroticism tended to be downplayed in Mexican painting, exoticism was a selling point. — Holland Cotter, New York Times, "‘Painted in Mexico’: When a New Art Flourished Far From Mother Spain," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eroticism.' 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

15 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Eroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eroticism. Accessed 25 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for eroticism

eroticism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of eroticism

: a quality that causes sexual feelings

See the full definition for eroticism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

eroticism

erot·i·cism | \ i-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm

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Medical Definition of eroticism

1 : the arousal of or the attempt to arouse sexual feeling by means of suggestion, symbolism, or allusion (as in an art form)

2 : a state of sexual arousal or anticipation (as from stimulation of erogenous zones)

3 : insistent sexual impulse or desire

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